Uganda is set to be among the beneficiaries of a groundbreaking collaboration between UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) aimed at revolutionizing girls’ and women’s football across Africa.
The partnership, launched under the UEFA Together initiative, promises to create new development opportunities for young female players and empower women and girls through the sport over the next three years.
The inaugural activity under this collaboration took place last week in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, with the CAF Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) where Boni Consilli represented Uganda.
This tournament not only offered over 100 young players and match officials a chance to experience competitive football but also combined grassroots events, educational workshops, and health initiatives, including awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of HPV vaccination.
The initiative focuses on breaking barriers to girls’ participation in football, as highlighted by CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba.
“The CAF GIFT Programme is not just a one-off project but part of the implementation of the CAF President Dr. Motsepe’s 10-Point Plan,” he said. “It incentivizes Member Associations to set up domestic leagues, organize coaching seminars, and support grassroots activities that advance girls’ access to football.”
The collaboration also includes the UEFA Kit Assistance Scheme, which will provide playing kits to smaller national associations, including those in Africa.
Uganda, like other CECAFA member nations, stands to benefit from these efforts to enhance women’s football infrastructure and opportunities.
The GIFT tournament in Tanzania was a resounding success, with JKT Queens triumphing 2-1 in the final against TDS Girls.
Beyond the pitch, the program featured education and health workshops, with teenage participants brainstorming ways to educate their communities about HPV prevention.
Looking ahead, the partnership will see further initiatives such as youth international tournaments in Türkiye and Switzerland and capacity-building workshops.
“Close collaboration with our sister confederations and FIFA is the guiding principle of the UEFA Together programme,” said Zoran Laković, UEFA’s national associations director. “Our teamwork over the next three years will drive the game to new levels, providing more opportunities for girls and women to reach their true potential.”
