4 African Female footballers with initiatives providing support for women and girls in sports

Here is a list of four female footballers in Africa who have set up initiatives to provide support for young talents who are interested in the game of football.

Female footballers have also shown that they can rise up to the challenge by empowering young girls and boys who have the passion and desire for football at the grassroots level with this in mind we have compiled a list of 4 stars who have one initiative or the other that aims to provide this support for as many as possible who need it.

Pursuing football at the grassroots level had been a major challenge for many footballers we have today playing at the top level and these stars have often retreated their desire to provide support for as many as possible who possess the passion for the game itself.

In today's society, the gender gap remains a significant concern for women across the world, particularly in the sports industry. Women have struggled to find equal opportunities in the football industry, and this has made it difficult for them to showcase their talents.

Identifying a gap that exists is the first step to take when providing a solution and as such female footballers in Africa are now taking steps to ensure that the void is filled and the field is evened for both genders and equal opportunities through initiatives and foundations are also established.

Through these initiatives, these female footballers are making a significant contribution to breaking down gender stereotypes and empowering the next generation of women in the football industry. By providing a platform for young girls and women to showcase their talent, they are inspiring them to pursue their dreams and become role models for future generations.

The Asisat Oshoala Academy (NIGERIA)

The six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala made a bold decision which challenged all norms in 2015. The talented player who was young and motivated established the Asisat Oshoala Foundation to provide young girls with the necessary support they require to discover and unlock their full potential in sports and all other areas. It was a huge success and it came as no surprise when it was revealed in July, 2022, that the BAy FC and Nigeria forward had partnered with Nike Football and Women Win to set up an Academy which gives young girls a platform to pursue their passion and love for football.

Highlighting the focus of the Asisat Oshoala Academy it was confirmed that the following would be done throughout the partnership:

• The academy will provide girls – aged 12 to 18 – with access to football training three times a week.
• The academy will also host four ‘She Plays’ events each year to broaden the reach of the academy’s activities.
• The program will be accompanied by life skill education, which will include teachings on women’s rights in the areas of gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and economic empowerment.

The Academy has continued to live up to its expectations and set aside goals a year after its inception with Asisat also bringing in other female football stars to actively participate in the academy activities.

Thembi Kgatlana Foundation (South Africa)

Bayana Bayana of South Africa's football star Thembi Kgatlana following her experience and struggles before breaking into the national team and playing football at the highest level sought to provide women and girls with the opportunity she never had as the talented midfielder set up her foundation in 2017.

The South African football star was never shy to open up about her struggles in the early days indicating that where she grew up there was no opportunity for women to pursue and nurture their talent in football. She went further to explain that she was forced to play with the boys till she got a scholarship at the SAFA Girls Soccer Academy of Tuks Sports High School Pretoria.

The Thembi Kgatlana Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established with the primary objective of empowering local communities through sports. The foundation operates with a clear mission, "Your Success is My Success," which is aimed at promoting the growth and development of the youth across South Africa.

Through its various initiatives, the foundation has been able to provide financial assistance to several communities in need, including underserved areas. The foundation has organized numerous tournaments in different parts of the country, which have helped to identify and hone the skills of talented young athletes. Moreover, the Thembi Kgatlana Foundation has also provided sports kits, school uniforms, and sanitary equipment to children across South Africa, enabling them to participate in sports and stay healthy.

The Rasheedat Ajibade Foundation (NIGERIA)

In October of 2023, Rasheedat Ajibade, a talented football player for Atletico Madrid and the Super Falcons of Nigeria, announced her intention to establish the Rasheedat Ajibade Foundation as a means of giving back to society.

The foundation aims to address various challenges that young people, particularly girls, face by providing mentorship, scholarships, and support in sports, education, and beyond. These goals include empowering youth through sports, advocating for gender equality, raising awareness about important social issues, developing young talent, and supporting education.

Through its various programs and initiatives, the foundation seeks to provide opportunities and resources that will help young people achieve their full potential, regardless of their gender or socioeconomic background.

Michelle Alozie

Michelle Alozie recently made a heartwarming gesture that has won the hearts of football fans worldwide. Her passion and interest in helping grassroots football have been confirmed by her generous donation of numerous soccer boots to the Community Action Through Sports group (C.A.T.S) in Surulere back in February 2024.

Her latest act of kindness towards the community team in Surulere is not the first time that Michelle has paid close attention to female football at the grassroots level. She was also present at the recently concluded Asisat Oshoala Foundation charity match in Lagos, showing her support for the cause.

Many are still speculating as to whether she would be setting up her own foundation, but the gesture that Michelle has shown has been commended worldwide. Her generosity and kindness have left a remarkable impression on the minds of football fans and have been a source of inspiration for many. People believe that she will continue to replicate such acts of kindness in the coming months or years.

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