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SAFA's Girls on Ground: A Powerful Kickoff Toward Empowering Dreams Through Football

 

🌟 SAFA's Girls on Ground: A Powerful Kickoff Toward Empowering Dreams Through Football

Hyderabad, 09-05-2025 — The energy was electric. Cheers echoed across the ground as girls, families, and community leaders gathered for a historic moment — the official launch of “Girls on Ground”, a football initiative by SAFA Society designed to empower girls from underserved communities through sport.

⚽ A Day of Hope, Unity, and New Beginnings

The event began with the ribbon-cutting and jersey launch, led by none other than Mr. Andrew Collister, Consulate-General of Australia, and Ms. Rubina Nafees Fatima, CEO of SAFA Society. The ground was filled with excitement and joy as students in jerseys stood proudly, ready to play not just a match — but a part in changing the narrative for girls in Hyderabad’s Old City.




🎉 Community Leaders Join the Celebration

Mr. Alamdar, Corporator of Noor Khan Bazar, kicked off the match with young players and joined them in a friendly game — a symbolic gesture that reminded everyone: change begins when we play together.

Mr. Mirza Riyaz, MLC, addressed the crowd, encouraging the girls to “play with dedication and focus”, and to take every opportunity to shine with confidence.


💬 A Message of Commitment from SAFA

In a heartfelt speech, Ms. Rubina Nafees Fatima said: “These girls have incredible potential. SAFA will continue to support them every step of the way — and Inshallah, we will see them represent the Old City at state and national levels. Every girl deserves the chance to see beyond the four walls of her home.”

Her words echoed SAFA's vision: empowerment through opportunity, confidence through community support.



💖 A Voice That Touched Every Heart: Syeda Sakina Kazmi

The highlight of the day came from a young footballer, Syeda Sakina Kazmi, who shared her journey from hesitation to triumph:

“In our community, girls face so many barriers — from family, relatives, even neighbours. But when I found out SAFA was giving us safe, free football training, I begged my parents to let me join. They finally agreed. Despite criticism from relatives, I kept training. Today, I’ve played District, State, and even Mumbai-level matches. Now those same relatives are proud of me.”

“SAFA gave me wings. I once stood behind closed doors. Now, the sky is my limit.”

🌈 What This Initiative Truly Means

“Girls on Ground” isn’t just about football — it’s about freedom, confidence, and a future full of possibilities. It’s about telling every girl, you matter, you belong on the field, and you deserve to chase your dream.

And as Sakina beautifully said:

“To all the girls sitting at home — come out and play. Whether it’s football, dance, art, or anything you love. All we need is a push. And once we step out, we’ll show the world who we are.”


 

#GirlsOnGround #SAFAEmpowers #FootballForChange #HyderabadGirlsRise

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India

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