While women’s football continues to gain momentum in Ghana and across Africa, experts emphasize that the game offers opportunities that extend far beyond playing on the pitch.
From coaching and refereeing to sports administration, media, and entrepreneurship, football provides women with avenues to build careers and influence the sport at multiple levels. These opportunities not only promote gender equality but also strengthen the overall development of the game.
“Women’s football is no longer just about playing matches,” said a football development expert. “It’s about creating pathways in coaching, management, officiating, and even sports business. The potential is enormous if we provide the right support.”
Several initiatives, including training programs for female coaches and referees, scholarship schemes, and leadership workshops, are helping women acquire the skills needed to succeed in football-related careers. Prominent former players are now taking on mentorship roles, showing young women that the sport can open doors beyond playing professionally.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has also committed to expanding programs aimed at empowering women in football, with a focus on education, professional development, and sustainable career pathways. Stakeholders note that investment in these areas will elevate the quality and competitiveness of women’s football while creating long-term opportunities for female participation.
Experts argue that embracing these opportunities will benefit the entire football ecosystem, encouraging a new generation of women to pursue roles in areas traditionally dominated by men. “When women thrive beyond the pitch, the whole game thrives,” the expert added.
As women’s football continues to grow, the message is clear: the sport offers a platform for empowerment, leadership, and professional success, far beyond scoring goals and winning trophies.
