The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) is set to host the first-ever CAF U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT), a landmark initiative aimed at advancing the development of women’s football across Africa.
This historic event will take place at the Azam Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 7th to 18th January 2025 and will feature eight teams from CECAFA Member Associations (MAs).
Empowering the Next Generation of Female Footballers
The tournament is a significant step in CAF’s broader strategy to:
- Promote gender equality and empower young female players.
- Increase the participation of girls in football across Africa.
- Encourage MAs and clubs to invest in girls’ football leagues and Under-17 national teams.
- Provide a pathway for young girls to transition from school football to professional competitive structures.
Participating Teams
The competition will see eight clubs from the CECAFA region competing for the inaugural title:
- Aigle Noir FC (Burundi)
- Bahir Dar Kenema FC (Ethiopia)
- Kenya Academy of Sports (Kenya)
- JKT Queens (Tanzania)
- TDS Girls Academy (Tanzania)
- Boni Consilli Girls Vocational Team (Uganda)
- City Lights Football Academy (South Sudan)
- Hilaad FC (Somalia)
Workshops and Capacity Building
In addition to the competition, CAF will host several developmental activities:
- CAF D-License Coaching Course: To enhance coaching standards for women’s football.
- Media Workshop: Promoting best practices in communications and media engagement.
Community Engagement and Legacy
Beyond the games, CAF has planned community-focused activities, including:
- A girls football festival to encourage local participation.
- Sports clinics to nurture young talent.
- Health awareness campaigns in partnership with UEFA, aiming to leave a lasting impact on the local communities in Tanzania.
Building a Stronger Future
The CAF U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a platform to showcase talent, build capacity, and inspire the next generation of female footballers in Africa.
With this initiative, CAF is championing the growth of women’s football and reinforcing Africa’s commitment to gender equality in sports.
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