CAF Girls U17 Integrated Football Tournament (“GIFT”) to kick-off in CECAFA region in January 2025

 TANZANIA is set to host the inaugural CAF U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) from January 7-18, 2025, at the Azam Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The tournament, a pioneering initiative by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), aims to promote the development of women’s football across Africa.

This historic event will feature eight teams from the CECAFA region, including JKT Queens and TDS Girls Academy that will represent Tanzania, Aigle Noir FC (Burundi), Bahir Dar Kenema FC (Ethiopia), Kenya Academy of Sports (Kenya), Boni Consilli Girls Vocational Team (Uganda), City Lights Football Academy (South Sudan) and Hilaad FC (Somalia).

The tournament is not only a platform to display the abilities of these rising stars but also a key step towards building player capacity and advancing women’s football at both regional and continental levels.

CAF’s commitment to gender equality and empowering the next generation of female footballers is evident in this initiative.

The tournament is part of a broader strategy to increase girls’ participation in football, encourage investment in women’s football infrastructure and create pathways for young players to transition from school football to competitive leagues.

In addition to the competition, the event will feature a CAF D-License coaching course and a media workshop, both aimed at promoting best practices in coaching and communications.

The partnership with Azam TV and CAF TV will ensure live coverage across the continent, making the event accessible to audiences far and wide.

Community engagement will also be a central focus of the tournament. Alongside the matches, there will be girls’ football festival, sports clinics and health awareness campaigns in collaboration with UEFA.

These initiatives will leave a lasting legacy for local communities in Tanzania, further promoting the growth of women’s football in the country and beyond.