Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer (GOALS)

Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer (GOALS) is rated 3 out of 5 in the category nonprofit organization management. Read and write reviews about Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer (GOALS). GOALS supports and empowers young women through the creation of safe spaces to play soccer, speak their mind, and challenge social norms. “Women don’t play soccer,” The school director didn’t blink. I knew this was not true. I lived with 14 year-old girl, Arusik, who watched every Manchester United game, “I can play soccer, but the boys never pass to me.” Her struggles are reflected in national policy. In 2013, the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) disbanded the women’s program, citing budget cuts; in actuality, ancient traditions and societal pressures make many opportunities difficult or impossible for girls and women. In reaction GOALS was founded in 2015. GOALS established a network of allies to promote gender equality through sport, despite widespread disbelief and strong stereotypes. With the help of Armenian volunteers across the country GOALS opened the first women’s soccer league in Armenia, centered in Goris in 2016, and opened two additional new soccer leagues in Alaverdi and Dilijan the following year. Now with over 15 partner organizations across the country GOALS impacts over a thousand young women. Our grassroots efforts are influencing the Armenian Football Federation. We have started a movement that now includes over 2,000 youth and over 450 educators across the country. GOALS believes that sport is the perfect medium for promoting healthy lifestyle, changing gender stereotypes and building confidence and leaderships skills in women and girls throughout the country. GOALS is currently the only sport for development NGO in Armenia, and the only NGO working to bridge the gender gap in sports. With a focus on projects that benefit and take place in the regions of Armenia, we focus on girls from villages and underprivileged families, with the help of partner organizations all over the country.