Slovakian girls full of adventure through football

Slovakia is the latest association to roll out Playmakers, a UEFA project which offers widespread benefits to women and girls via football.

"It would be a sin not to reflect on all the positives that UEFA Playmakers will bring. We believe it will be popular among parents and girls and that it will fulfil its primary goal. We believe that the whole of women's and youth football will benefit from this project in Slovakia," said Miriama Bočková, who is in charge of the project within the youth and development department of the Slovak Football Association (SFZ).

Playmakers is UEFA's first-ever pan-European grassroots programme for 5–8 year-old girls, which uses Disney's iconic storytelling to inspire regular exercise and kick-start a love of football.

The SFZ got involved in the project in the last 12 months and has so far created 31 centres around the country, where girls are given the opportunity to play football, take care of their health and build their self-confidence, make new friends and learn useful skills.

Each centre has specially trained coaches who lead the activities. Every participant receives an 'Adventure pass' for taking part. "A very positive environment is prepared for the girls. They get to be creative and make decisions and a lifetime connection to a healthy lifestyle and football," said Miriama Bočková.

This article originally appeared in UEFA Direct 196