BK West United FC and Ballers4Life’s Girls Can Play fellowship program is approaching its final phase with an international journey to Germany. The six-month initiative was designed to empower young female footballers and advocate for gender equality in sport.
This month, the fellows will travel to Germany to participate in focused training sessions, friendly matches, and the EmpowerHer Football Summit in Frankfurt. Co-hosted with the Frankfurt Fan Project – Sportjugend, the summit highlights the importance of global collaboration in creating space for women in football.
While in Germany, the fellows will explore German football culture through visits to the Eintracht Frankfurt Museum and an exclusive stadium tour. A few participants will also take part in trial sessions with Bundesliga clubs—offering a rare chance to display their skills in a professional environment.
This international experience is part of a broader effort to challenge existing inequalities in the sport. Despite progress, significant gaps remain in resources, recognition, and opportunities for women in football especially in Africa. The Girls Can Play program aims to bridge those gaps by providing access and support for young women to grow, both on and off the pitch.
Modou Lamin Barry, one of the program coordinators, said: “This is not just a football trip—it’s a movement. We are giving these girls access to the kind of exposure and opportunity that can change their lives and, in the long run, reshape the game.”
Cherno Barry, Founder of BK West United, shared: “We’ve always believed in the power of sport to bridge gaps and elevate communities. Girls Can Play is proof that when you invest in young women, you invest in a future filled with promise, equality, and leadership.”
Alieu Sowe, Co-Founder of the Ballers4Life Initiative, added: “This fellowship is about creating access. These girls are incredibly talented, and all they need is the chance to show it. Germany will be a turning point for many of them.”
What we’re doing extends beyond athletic development—it’s about mentorship, leadership, and resilience. By connecting these young women with global networks and resources, we’re helping them become confident leaders and role models.” He added.
As the fellowship concludes with the EmpowerHer Football Summit in Frankfurt, the journey of these fellows serves as a reminder that investing in girls’ sports is a step toward a more inclusive and equitable future for the game.
