UEFA and CAF collaborate to bridge the gap for girls in Zimbabwe

Harare, Zimbabwe – The Confédération Africaine de Football’s U-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) is setting new standards for girls' development in Africa, offering young players across CAF’s six zonal regions the chance to gain experience, confidence and life skills that extend far beyond the pitch.

In addition to the match action, the tournament featured health initiatives such as the Goal Getters workshop on HPV vaccination, which we’ve helped to deliver alongside Gavi, the vaccine alliance. Through UEFA Together, our international relations arm, we supported CAF by providing sports equipment and gear for players at the tournament.

"This tournament is about creating opportunities for young girls to play, learn and grow," said Meskerem Goshime, CAF Head of Women’s football. "By combining football with education and health awareness, we are building pathways that strengthen women’s football and empower communities across Africa."

The uniqueness of the CAF U-17 GIFT tournament lies in its 360-degree approach, promoting not only the girls’ sporting development but also their health and education. In Harare, the workshop focused on the HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer, a disease that remains a major challenge on the African continent.

"The campaign shows how football can go beyond the pitch to support local communities. It is also a great example of how close collaboration between football confederations and international organisations can really help to make a difference." said Zoran Lakovic, UEFA’s deputy general secretary international affairs.

The activation in Zimbabwe follows similar initiatives launched earlier this year in Eswatini and Tanzania, where UEFA, CAF and Gavi combined to raise awareness about vaccination during youth football tournaments. In Eswatini, 400 children took part in a lively workshop combining football, music and local culture, while Tanzania hosted the first health workshop during the inaugural CAF U17 GIFT tournament, engaging over 100 players from five countries.

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UEFA ambassador Eni Aluko, who is a figurehead for Gavi’s vaccination campaign, explains why football is such a powerful tool for education: "Football is more than a game – it’s an enabler," she said. "By playing together, discussing and sharing a bond, it gives us the opportunity to raise awareness on vaccines and because these girls trust us, they can now make informed decisions about their future."

Pascal Barollier, Chief Engagement & Information Officer at Gavi added: "Empowering girls with information about HPV vaccination is a critical step towards reducing cervical cancer rates. "By combining sport, music and education, we’re creating an environment where health awareness feels accessible and inspiring."

The impact of the CAF-UEFA collaboration is clear: developing players and delivering positive change in communities. By blending football with education and health, together the confederations are shaping a generation that is strong on the pitch and health-aware off it.