Festival 23 in Sydney: A Platform for Emerging Football Talents
Sydney, Australia- August 10th to August 15th - Festival 23, a dynamic campaign celebrating promising individuals with significant football potential, recently unfolded in Sydney, Australia. The event served as a launchpad for young talents aspiring to carve out bright futures in the world of football. The festival not only promised an immersive experience but also served as a strategic platform for honing networking skills and fostering connections with fellow young leaders from across the globe.
Yathreb Salama and Malak Hajbi, two promising youth coaches were among the ten young female leaders who had the privilege to attend Festival23 in Australia. These two dynamic coaches, hailing from the PS4L team,and delegates of Generation Amazing and Qatar Foundation. Festival23, which revolved around harnessing the power of football for positive change, was hosted by Common Goal , Football United, and Creating Chances. It brought together more than 70 young women delegates, representing over 40 countries, to exchange knowledge and experience.
Collaborating with the Palestine: Sports for Life team (PS4L), Generation Amazing, Qatar Foundation, Football United, and Creating Chances an opportunity was given to two aspirational students/ trainers Yathreb, age 20, from Tulkarem city. She is a student at the Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie, where she is studying Physical Education. Her choice of major reflects her dedication to sports and her desire to contribute to the field. It's evident that her journey from being a member of PS4L girls' football team to becoming a coach and pursuing a degree in Physical Education showcases her unwavering passion for sports and her commitment to making a positive impact in this domain. Malak, also the age of 20, comes from the Tulkarem refugee camp. Like Yathreb, she is a student at the Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie, but her focus is on Interior Design. This choice demonstrates her creative talents and her aspiration to excel in the world of design and aesthetics. Her journey from the refugee camp to pursuing higher education in a field as dynamic as interior design is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Yathreb and Malak's journey with Sports for Life is truly inspiring. They started as part of the girls' football team for the PS4L community program in Tulkarem, Malak in 2017 and Yathreb in 2019, showcasing their passion for sports early on. As time passed, their dedication and hard work propelled them into coaching roles, demonstrating not only their love for the game but also their leadership abilities.
Their commitment to personal and professional growth led them to take part in two Training of Trainers (ToT) programs in sports and social inclusion and gender equity led by PS4L instructor Yumon Masri. This initiative not only enhanced their skills but also equipped them to mentor others, fostering inclusivity and diversity in sports.
As Yathreb and Malak continued to excel, they were entrusted with leading their own initiatives within Sports for Life. Their innovative ideas and determination undoubtedly contributed to the organization's continued success. The initiative aimed to provide them with the necessary support to thrive in their football careers.
The duo was captivated by the Semifinal showdown between Colombia and England, a truly awe-inspiring event that left a lasting impression on their careers. The experience showcased the potential of these young footballers on an international stage.
Acknowledgments are due to Generation Amazing, Qatar Foundation, Creating Chances, and Football United, whose pivotal roles empowered and supported Yathreb and Malak on their journey. The collaboration not only opened doors for these talented individuals but also reinforced the commitment of these organizations to nurturing and uplifting emerging talents in the world of football.
