…over week-long sports envoy program by U.S. Embassy
MBABANE – “Each and every girl.”
This was the sentiment expressed by the U.S. Embassy Eswatini through a statement released on their official social media page pertaining to the 150 girls who recently participated in a tournament they hosted.
According to the statement, the week-long sports envoy program came to an end this weekend at the Eswatini Football Association Technical Center, culminating in a tournament that saw the participation of 10 all-girl soccer teams from two communities, 12 schools and two tertiary institutions in Eswatini.
“The 150 girls were divided into groups of 15 to form new teams named after U.S states: Texas,Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Arizona, California, Washington State , Virginia and Mississippi,” reveals the statement.
“Congratulations to the champions, Michigan F.C, for lifting the Sports Envoy Trophy but because each and every girl is a winner, all went home with medals and a soccer ball,” continued the statement from the U.S. Embassy.
Chargé d’ Affaires at the Embassy, Earl Miller spoke with the help of 12 girls on how sports is about building confidence and leadership.
“As a result of this envoy program, EFA will be able to build and expand upon what they have already started. Promoting girls’ engagement in soccer and capacitating young women who are already playing supports the bigger goal of building a tradition of women’s soccer clubs and leagues in the country.
To cement this goal, we encourage Government to support the idea of more programs and stronger pipelines for young women to access soccer at an earlier age, much like the boys already have. It is this level of support that will ensure the success and future of girls’ soccer in Eswatini,” said Miller.
Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture Harris Madze Bulunga remarked along the same message, saying that the seed that has been planted should be nurtured.
According to the statement, Chargé Miller applauded EFA for the partnership, Peace Corps Eswatini Volunteers for enabling the engagement of the Sports Envoys with two rural communities ( Madzanga and Mnjoli) and the Ministry of Education and Training for the connection with the two tertiary institutions ( William Pitcher and SANU). He also encouraged young women in Eswatini to make their voice heard by participating in the upcoming national elections.
