Girls Football Festival 2025 in Sarajevo - Empowering Through Sport
Bringing together 150 young female football players, coaches and representatives of CSOs from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, the festival celebrated the power of sport to foster inclusion, equality, and community. Over three inspiring days, the festival showcased the transformative role football can play in breaking down barriers and building bridges.
The festival began with a grand opening ceremony at the Youth Theatre Sarajevo, where participants, organizers, and distinguished guests gathered to launch this unique event. The opening featured speeches from:
Adnan Džemidžić, General Secretary of the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Ferdinand Koenig, Head of Communications at the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina,
David Hudelist, from fairplay/VIDC, Project Manager of Game Changers and Football Zajedno, and
Danilo Vukotić, representative of the Football Association of Montenegro.
Their speeches emphasized football as a powerful tool for promoting inclusion and equality, particularly for empowering young girls. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, optimism, and a shared belief in the unifying power of sport.
The first day continued with an insightful panel discussion featuring experts from football associations and NGOs. Speakers like Ivana Vlaić, Jadranka Pavičević, Nikola Staritz, and Selma Memović explored ways to strengthen female participation in football, retain young girls in the sport, and overcome the challenges they face.
The audience was particularly moved by personal stories from young players who shared how football has helped them overcome obstacles and inspire change in their local communities.
The evening concluded with the screening of a thought-provoking film highlighting the fight for women’s rights in sports.
Training, Exploration, and Friendship
The second day focused on hands-on activities, starting with joint training sessions at the Skenderija Sports Center. Divided into mixed teams, the players learned new skills and strategies while fostering teamwork and camaraderie. The afternoon was dedicated to the Meet Sarajevo Challenge, an interactive city tour that introduced participants to the city’s history and landmarks in a fun and engaging way.
Culmination - The International Tournament
The festival concluded with the much-anticipated International Tournament, where mixed teams played friendly matches, emphasizing collaboration over competition. The energy on the field reflected the spirit of the festival: teamwork, respect, and inclusion. The young players left the pitch with new skills, stronger confidence, and lasting friendships.
Clubs That Made It Happen
Nine clubs from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro participated, each bringing their unique stories and enthusiasm. From Bosnia and Herzegovina: FK Olimp (Pale), NK Sloga (Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje), SK Dubrave (Domanovići), ŽNK Steel City (Zenica), FK Respekt (Sarajevo), NK Hajduk (Orašje). From Montenegro: ŽFK Ilarion (Podgorica), OFK Borac (Bijelo Polje), Akademija Berane (Berane).
The Impact of the Festival
Girls Football Festival was more than a sports event – it was a movement. It provided a safe and supportive space where young girls could express themselves, develop their potential, and challenge stereotypes. For many participants, this was their first opportunity to meet peers from other communities, exchange experiences, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
One participant shared, “This festival taught me to believe in myself and gave me the chance to make friends from different cities and countries. Football has the power to unite us.”
The festival was organized within the framework of the Game Changers – Promoting Human Rights and Equality Through Sport project, funded by the European Union, and the Football Zajedno initiative, supported by the Football Federations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro through the UEFA HatTrick program.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the festival came to an end, participants returned home richer in experience, friendships, and inspiration to continue pursuing their dreams on and off the pitch. The organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to all participants, clubs, football associations, and the European Union for making this event possible.
Sport has once again proven its ability to connect people, inspire change, and promote equality.
For more information and photos from the festival, visit our social media channels:
Instagram: @izi.inicijativa, @fairplay_initiative, @footballzajedno
Facebook: Igrajmo Zajedno Inicijativa, fairplay Initiative, Football Zajedno
Football unites us, builds communities, and inspires change! ⚽✨
