Women’s Teams Receive Equipment Ahead of Under-17 Girls’ Championship

By The Inspirer.

Ahead of the Under-17 Girls’ Championship, the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has provided equipment to the participating teams.

The championship, scheduled to begin tomorrow, November 17, 2024, will include competitions for both boys and girls under 17 years old.

In the Girls’ category, through a collaboration between the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and FERWAFA, teams received equipment including jerseys, footballs, and other necessary items.

In 2022, FERWAFA, through its Women’s Football Development Commission, presented this project to FIFA, focusing on promoting women’s football through youth. The project was subsequently approved and supported.

FIFA has been actively involved in supporting women’s football in Rwanda for four years under a four-year strategic plan presented by FERWAFA.

The equipment provided includes two sets of jerseys for each team, 20 senior-size footballs, four junior-size footballs, and financial support for each team.

FIFA’s support for women’s football in Rwanda is delivered through three main initiatives:

1. Women’s Football Campaign: Aimed at encouraging young girls to embrace football.
2. Coaching Mentorship: Focused on enhancing the skills of female coaches.
3. Club Licensing: Ensures clubs meet the standards required to participate in FERWAFA-organized competitions.

This year, FIFA has allocated $10,000 to the Women’s Football Campaign, which includes providing equipment, $25,000 for the Club Licensing program, and $50,000 to support the Under-17 Championship, along with additional equipment.

FERWAFA President Munyantwari Alphonse expressed his satisfaction with the preparations.
“This initiative is part of our planned activities to develop women’s football. It includes providing both equipment and financial support,” he said.

He urged the teams to use the equipment responsibly and make the most of the resources provided.

Munyananka Ancille, Commissioner of the Women’s Football Development Commission at FERWAFA, highlighted the significance of the Under-17 Championship for women’s football in Rwanda.
“It’s a moment of pride for us to see the Under-17 teams competing in this championship. The equipment and the leadership support are in place. It’s a project we celebrated from its inception,” she said.

She added that the teams received financial support in phases, with each team being initially provided with RWF 1.8 million, with the remaining funds to be distributed during the return matches.

Despite financial challenges in women’s football, she confirmed that all needs for the Under-17 Championship have been met.

Twelve teams, affiliated with first-division clubs, have registered to participate in the championship. These include Rayon Sports, Indahangarwa, Bugesera, ES Mutunda, Fatima, Police, Inyemera, AS Kigali, Muhazi, Kamonyi, APR, and Forever.

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