Since 2017, our Girls’ Football Team in Gondar has provided a safe and empowering space for girls aged 13–19 to play sport, build confidence, and form strong friendships. The team trains twice a week with a professional coach, and every session includes access to a hot meal and refreshments—helping ensure that physical health and wellbeing are supported alongside personal growth.
“Before the football team we were living separate lives – now we are one team. We share everything: our experiences, feelings, and advice.”
Girls’ football team member
About the Project
Free time for girls from low income households in Ethiopia is precious. Within the family, they are often expected to do chores, rather than boys. This leaves them with less time to study and even less time for games. Girls are at greater risk of sexual violence, so are expected to stay close to home where they are considered to be safer.
Together We Learn’s girls’ football team was the first of its kind in Gondar town. The team has 20 members aged between 12 and 16 from low income households. They train twice a week with a professional coach. After each training session they have access to showers and share a meal together.
The project challenges gender stereotypes by giving girls a chance to be strong, visible, and vocal. It fosters leadership, teamwork, and joy through sport. The team play friendly matches, participates in local tournaments and has worked with Gondar city’s professional women’s team.
Recent Activities (2024)
- 56 training sessions were held, with an impressive 90% average attendance.
- 10 new girls joined the team this year, bringing fresh energy and mentorship opportunities from more experienced players.
- New kits, shoes, and football equipment were provided, along with reusable menstrual kits and sexual health education.
- Nutritious meals were served after each session, including pasta, rice, beans, eggs, and tea—promoting recovery and strength.
- Friendly matches were arranged during school breaks, giving the girls a chance to build confidence and test their skills in competition.
- Despite regional conflict, the programme continued uninterrupted, offering normality, joy, and a consistent safe space for the girls.
The Impact
Girls reported that they were 41% more likely to speak up in class after a year on the team.
An evaluation showed 100% of team members reported strong physical health, with many also sharing how football had improved their self-esteem and confidence. The team environment offered emotional refuge for girls facing difficulties at home.
“Because they are from poor backgrounds sometimes they lack confidence at school. This gives them something to feel confident about” – Coach Aster
“Before the Girls’ Football team we were alone and living separate lives – but now we are one team. We share everything: our experiences, feelings and advice. We support each other. Before, we thought we could not correct and better each other, because the person would be mad. Now, we know that we are stronger together, and can grow together.”
We thank Wild Frontiers for funding the girls’ football team project.
Can you help?
- £14 could by a new football kit for a girl on the team
- £65 could employ a football coach for the team for a month
- £200 could hire a bus to drive the team to the nearest City for a friendly match against another girls’ team
