The FIFA Women’s Football Campaign – Northern Region continued on Friday with a Girls’ Football Festival held at Lira P7 Primary School, bringing together over 230 young players from 16 schools and football academies in Lira City.
The festival featured small-sided games across the 8–10, 11–12 and 13–14 age categories, alongside skills challenges and fun football activities designed to develop basic football abilities while encouraging girls to enjoy the game.
As part of the festival, FUFA, with support from FIFA under the FIFA Women’s Football Development Programme, distributed football equipment to all participating teams. FUFA Executive Committee Member for the Northern Region Dan Obote, flanked by FIFA Women’s Football Expert Thuba Sibanda, FUFA Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba and FUFA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Sheba Ampaire Ronah, handed over footballs to the participating teams, while each participant received a jersey.
While making his remarks at the festival, Obote thanked FIFA for supporting the initiative and appreciated Lira P7 Primary School Headteacher Ario Benson for hosting the event and his contribution to the development of women’s football in the region.
‘I thank FIFA for this initiative. I also thank the Headteacher, Ario Benson, for hosting us and spearheading the growth of women’s football in this region. I thank him also because Lira City Queens FC host their games from these grounds,’ Obote said.
FIFA Women’s Football Expert Thuba Sibanda encouraged the young players to remain disciplined, stay in school and continue playing football.
‘Stay disciplined, stay in school and love to play football. You will be the stars of tomorrow,’ Sibanda told the players.
The festival forms part of the FIFA Women’s Football Campaign being implemented by FUFA with support from FIFA under the FIFA Women’s Football Development Programme, aimed at increasing girls’ participation in football, identifying and nurturing talent and creating a safe and inclusive environment for girls to develop through the game.
The Lira festival follows the Coaches’ Workshop held on Thursday at Bonvia Hotel and will be followed by another Girls’ Football Festival in Gulu City on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
Participating schools and academies
- Lira P7 Primary School
- Lira Sports Academy
- Tawheed Academy
- Alpha Soccer Academy
- Eleven Brothers Sports Academy
- Rhino Sports Academy
- Tim Tom Sports Academy
- Wisdom High Academy
- Paorhiner Sports Academy
- Otwal Sports Academy
- Alang Sports Academy
- Lango Sports Academy
- Dynamics Sports Academy
- Our Citizen Primary School
- Adyel Sports Academy
- Alebtong Youth Soccer Academy
