Let the game begin! Inter-school football tournament for girls champions equal access to education
Let the girls play. Let the girls learn. Let the girls lead. This has been a clear message during the girls’ inter-school football competition in Juba, South Sudan, hosted by the World Food Programme (WFP) and World Vision.
With the theme “Advocate for equal access to quality education for both boys and girls”, the tournament was a vibrant celebration of teamwork, inclusion, and empowerment.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW, the tournament brought together eight primary schools and nearly 8,000 students—turning the football field into a platform for equality, hope, and opportunity.
“My dream is to become a professional female footballer in South Sudan and be signed by a team that will support my ambition,” said 16-year-old Achol, one of the participants.
More than a competition, the event highlighted how sport can be a catalyst for breaking barriers and building confidence, courage, and leadership among girls, both on the field and in the classroom.
“We were not just playing to win. We played to make new friends and show our talents,” added 15-year-old Chol, with a bright smile despite her team’s loss.
Nancy, 12, whose team reached the semi-finals, said, “This competition helped me learn new skills from other girls. It was my first time playing in a stadium. I’m so grateful.”
For teacher and coach Santos Laurence, the experience was equally rewarding. “This is the first time our school has joined a girls’ football competition. Winning was great, but the real victory was seeing our learners connect and grow together.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony on 28 October, Dr Mesfin Loha, World Vision South Sudan Country Director, reminded the students that football is more than a game: “Football symbolises unity, peace, and teamwork. Every player’s role, from goalkeeper to striker, is vital to success, just as every child deserves an equal chance to learn and thrive.”
The pilot initiative organised by World Vision, in partnership with WFP, the State Ministry of General Education and Instruction, and with technical support from the South Sudan Football Federation, is part of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme implemented in government schools.
The tournament was officially launched by Hon. Cirisio Zakaria Lado, State Minister of General Education and Instruction, alongside Maureen Loku (Head of WFP Juba Field Office), Francis Amin (President, South Sudan Football Federation), and Dr. Mesfin Loha (Country Director, World Vision South Sudan).
Story and photos by Moses Sakondo and Alan Leju/World Vision South Sudan