Earlier today, Frankfurt City Council formally welcomed the Girls Can Play Fellows from BK West United and Ballers4Life to City Hall, as part of an ongoing sports and cultural exchange program organized by Frankfurt FanProject and SportJugend.
The fellowship, which brings young female athletes to Germany for exhibition games and cross-cultural learning, included a guided tour of Frankfurt’s historic landmarks and civic institutions. The visit provided the Fellows with a unique opportunity to explore the city’s governance structure and learn about its commitment to youth empowerment and inclusion.
The team was led by Stephan von Ploetz of SportJugend and Cherno Barry, Founder of BK West. Their leadership has been instrumental in fostering international collaboration and creating impactful experiences for the young athletes.
The delegation was received by Hilime Arslaner, Chairwoman of the Frankfurt City Council. Since April 2021, Arslaner has held the distinction of being the first woman with a migration background to preside over Frankfurt’s city parliament. She spoke to the fellows about the importance of leadership, perseverance, and representation in public service.
Joining her was Natascha Kauder, Deputy Chairwoman of the Green Party’s parliamentary group in the Frankfurt City Council and spokesperson for sports and leisure policy.
Prior to their visit to City Hall, the fellows met with Hassan Annouri, a well-known media personality, influencer, and entrepreneur in Frankfurt. Annouri shared his insights on cultural identity, creative entrepreneurship, and the power of sports as a unifying force across communities.
Later in the day, the fellows took part in training sessions and practice games in preparation for their upcoming trial matches and exhibition fixtures, which form a key part of the trip’s athletic and cultural exchange components.
The visit marked a meaningful exchange of ideas and inspiration, reinforcing the fellowship’s mission to empower young women through sports, leadership, and global engagement.
