AA Sports International, a non-profit organization, hosted its inaugural Women’s Football Clinic in Suhum-Akyem Akooko, Eastern Region, on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Under the theme “Supporting and Promoting Women’s Football,” the event aimed to motivate girls between the ages of 11 and 19 to pursue greatness in both football and education through the Okyeman Girls Football Academy.
Participants enjoyed a variety of activities, including cultural displays, poem recitations, and an interactive session with guest speakers.
Additionally, the academy received donations of sports equipment such as jerseys, balls, and sanitary pads from AA Sports International, led by its Patron, Kudjoe Fianoo.
Speaking at the event, former Ghanaian international and current Women’s U18 Assistant Coach, Gifty Ayew Asare, highlighted the challenges she faced in her journey.
“People will try to bring you down with these words, but you have to stand on your grounds and keep pushing,” she remarked, sharing how her perseverance and focus helped her secure a scholarship to the United States to pursue her football and educational dreams.
She also encouraged parents to support their daughters' ambitions, allowing them to focus on their football careers instead of only assigning them household chores.
Maurice Quansah, Sports Editor with the Graphic Communications Group and a staunch advocate for women’s football, emphasized the need for gender equality in opportunities.
“If you empower a woman, you empower all the community,” Quansah noted, stressing the potential of women’s football in Ghana and the importance of elevating women in various fields.
Priscilla Yeboah and Cornelius Annor Asare, representing the academy, expressed gratitude for the support, calling on other organizations to assist as the academy prepares for the 2024-25 Women’s Division One League in the Eastern Region.