Girls Football Festival in Sarajevo, 24.-26.1.25

From January 24 to 26, 2025, Sarajevo will host the Girls Football Festival, marking the event’s first edition in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After years of successful organization in Vienna, this dynamic and socially impactful festival has found a new home, connecting young female football players from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. The festival promises to be a unique blend of sport, education, and fun, designed to build friendships, enhance skills, and create unforgettable memories.
 

A Festival That Celebrates Unity and Equality

Unlike traditional sports tournaments, the Girls Football Festival is not competitive. Its purpose is to celebrate the power of unity, respect, non-discrimination, and human rights through sport. While the event concludes with a friendly football tournament, its focus lies in fostering connections among participants, building their confidence, and empowering them to overcome challenges both on and off the field.

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, the festival emphasizes the values of inclusivity, respect, and equal opportunity.

The project is implemented by the fairplay initiative (VIDC) from Austria in collaboration with local organizations Igrajmo Zajedno Inicijativa (IZI) and Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The event is not just about football, it’s a movement to empower young girls, foster connections, and break down societal barriers through the unifying power of sport.
 

Participating Clubs

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
• AK Berane, Berane
   

Highlights of the festival

• Diverse Participation: Featuring nine teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, representing a mosaic of ethnic and regional diversity, the festival showcases the resilience and passion of newly-formed girls' teams striving to establish themselves in the world of football.
• Opening Ceremony: Taking place on January 24 at the Youth Theater in Sarajevo, the ceremony will host high-profile speakers, including representatives from the European Union, football federations, and successful female players from the region.
• Workshops and Activities: On January 25, participants will engage in mixed-group training sessions at the Skenderija Sports Center, followed by an interactive city tour, Meet Sarajevo Challenge, offering a unique way to explore Sarajevo's landmarks.
• International Football Tournament: The festival culminates on January 26 with a non-competitive tournament featuring mixed teams, emphasizing teamwork and shared experiences over competition.
   

A platform for change

Unlike traditional sports events, the Girls Football Festival focuses on leveraging the transformative power of sports to promote gender equality and inclusion. Its goal is to inspire young girls to overcome challenges, strengthen their skills, and develop lasting connections within the football community.

For updates and details, follow us on social media:

Instagram: @izi.inicijativa, @fairplay_initiative, @footballzajedno
Facebook: Igrajmo Zajedno Inicijativa, fairplay Initiative, Football Zajedno