By Judith Oraeki-Anigbogu
In a bold move to advance women’s football and inspire more girls to pursue their dreams on the pitch, the Idemili Women Football League (IWFL), in partnership with the Idemili Sports Association, has announced the maiden edition of the “Let Her Play Tournament,” a grassroots football competition aimed at discovering and nurturing female football talent across Anambra State.
The tournament, which would kick off on July 18, by 3:00 p.m., was expected to attract school football teams, sports teams, and female football clubs from different parts of the state. Organisers said that the initiative was designed to provide a competitive platform where young female footballers could showcase their abilities while gaining exposure and confidence.
Carrying the message, “Football Is for Everyone – Let Her Play,” the competition sought to challenge stereotypes that discourage girls from participating in football competitions. It would also encourage parents, guardians, schools, and communities to support female athletes by giving them equal opportunities to excel in the sport.
The organisers noted that the tournament was more than a football competition, describing it as a movement to empower girls through sports, promote gender inclusion, and create pathways for the next generation of female football stars in Anambra State.
Participation was open to all sports teams, school football teams, and female football clubs across the state. Matches would be played in a home-and-away format, a structure expected to increase community participation, strengthen local rivalries, and expose players to different playing environments.
The IWFL and the Idemili Sports Association reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining initiatives that would deepen grassroots sports development and expand opportunities for girls with football talent.
Teams, schools, football clubs, corporate organisations, and individuals interested in participating or sponsoring the tournament have been invited to contact the organisers through 07068987454 for further information.
As anticipation builds ahead of the opening fixtures, the “Let Her Play Tournament” was poised to become a landmark initiative that would not only celebrate female football but also inspire a new generation of talented girls to dream bigger, compete confidently, and make their mark on the game.
Judith Oraeki-Anigbogu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra.
