By Nyambura Wambugu

The story of a regional football league in Africa may not immediately grab your attention but the Kuron youth league in southern Sudan is a little different and a little special.

Conditions are not ideal for the Kuron youth league in Sudan

While football in other parts of the continent is seen as a leisure activity or to provide entertainment for adoring fans, the Kuron league is instead being used to rebuild communities.

Football may not be the obvious choice to heal the wounds caused by over 21 years of civil war but it does seem to be working where little else has been effective.

The league is made up of teams from the different villages around Kuron and brings together young men aged between 15 and 30 - known locally as the 'mwenyemuji.'

Despite having to play on far from ideal pitches and not having boots or even matching kits, the players seem to be enjoying their football as much as anyone in the professional leagues.

"Traditionally, the mwenyemuji are responsible for protecting their villages and families," explains Emmanuel Ira, the coordinator of the Kuron youth league.

Teams in the Kuron youth league barely have a proper ball to use

"The young men have spent all their lives raiding each other and taking care of their cattle.

"The league is giving them something new to do that does not involve a gun and where competition is not fatal."

Joseph Lokaro plays for the Mogos Village team and says that he likes football especially now that he is beginning to understand the rules.

"At first it was difficult because there are many things you are not supposed to do with the football," Lokaro explained.

"But we are beginning to understand the rules and it is good especially when we defeat the boys from the other villages."