The inaugural FIFA Player Impact Programme is giving some of the world’s top women footballers the chance to design and lead their own social projects, and African stars Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi) and Gaëlle Enganamouit (Cameroon) are among those driving meaningful change.
Launched in Paris with a cohort of 14 players, the initiative equips footballers with expert training and personalised coaching to help them use their platforms for positive social impact.
After three months of development, the players presented their projects to a panel in London, unlocking FIFA seed funding to bring their ideas to life.
Chawinga’s Mission: Expanding Girls’ Football in Malawi
Malawi forward Tabitha Chawinga is using the programme to tackle a challenge she knows well, limited opportunities for girls in her home country. Her project focuses on increasing access to football for young girls, particularly in underserved communities.
It aims to provide equipment, remove financial barriers, improve training conditions and create safe, structured pathways for girls to enter the game.
Chawinga’s initiative is rooted in her own journey from rural pitches to global stardom, and her commitment to ensuring the next generation does not face the same obstacles.
Enganamouit’s Vision: Protecting and Empowering Vulnerable Girls
Former Cameroon international Gaëlle Enganamouit has long championed the welfare of young girls, and her project strengthens that mission.
Her programme focuses on supporting girls affected by violence, discrimination and social vulnerability, combining football with mentorship, education and psychosocial care.
Through safe spaces and empowerment activities, Enganamouit aims to help girls rebuild confidence and gain life skills while staying connected to the game.
A Shared Goal: Football as a Tool for Social Good
Both Chawinga and Enganamouit presented their initiatives before a panel led by FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis, who praised the players for using football to address real community challenges.
The Player Impact Programme reflects FIFA’s commitment to empowering footballers to extend their influence beyond the pitch, and for these two African icons, it’s an opportunity to inspire, protect and uplift the next generation.
