SATINO Academy’s New Girls’ Team Kicks Off: Empowering the Next Generation of Female Footballers

SATINO Football Academy has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the establishment of its inaugural girls’ football team. This new team, known as the SATINO Queens, represents a major advancement in the academy’s mission to foster gender equality in sports. Launched in early 2022 with just a few players, the squad has recently rapidly expanded to include 24 dedicated young athletes.

Many of these players are students from Sinon Secondary School, where our recent outreach efforts highlighted the importance of female participation in sports. Our discussions with the students clearly resonated with them, sparking their enthusiasm to join our academy and pursue their passion for football. Additionally, several of the girls live nearby on Sinon Street, making SATINO Football Academy a convenient and supportive environment for their athletic development.

The SATINO Queens train twice a week on Fridays and Saturdays, a schedule designed to balance their school and home responsibilities. Despite facing significant challenges such as time constraints, limited parental support, societal perceptions that football is a male-dominated sport, and a lack of adequate training equipment, these young athletes remain steadfast in their pursuit of becoming professional football players. At SATINO, we are dedicated to overcoming these barriers by providing the necessary support and resources to help them achieve their dreams.

Under the guidance of our dedicated coach, Ally Ibrahim, the SATINO Queens are preparing to participate in their first major competition, the Vijana Cup, scheduled for November/December this year. This will be a remarkable opportunity for the girls to showcase their skills and determination on a larger stage.

The formation of the SATINO Queens team is the result of tireless efforts by our dedicated volunteers and coaching staff, who have worked passionately to bring this vision to life. Their commitment to nurturing young talent and creating opportunities for girls in football has been instrumental in overcoming the many obstacles along the way. A special thank you goes to our volunteer Nina Gisler from Switzerland, whose invaluable contributions and unwavering support have played a crucial role in making the SATINO Queens a reality. From organizing training sessions to providing mentorship, Nina and our entire team have been the driving force behind the successful establishment of the team, ensuring that every player has the chance to thrive and pursue their dreams on and off the field.

Despite the challenges they face, the SATINO Queens are driven by their passion and determination to succeed. With each training session, they are not just honing their skills but also breaking down societal barriers and redefining what it means to be a female athlete in our community. As they prepare for the upcoming Vijana Cup, their journey stands as a powerful testament to the strength and potential of young women in sports. The SATINO Queens are more than just a team; they are a symbol of change and inspiration for future generations. We look forward to seeing them make history, and we invite you to join us in supporting their incredible journey.