Global Goals World Cup

PlayOnside Girls team conquer Bangkok

In order ot reach our objective of gender equality, female local role models in the community are essential to reach our goals. And if these role models are women coaching and playing football turns to multiply the impact when we promote Gender Equality. Last year, after seen more and more young female teachers interested in football, both coaching and playing themselves, and their eagerness of learning more about the game we offer the opportunity to run specific training with them.

A group of 12-16 teachers from different schools join every week to the PlayOnside girls football team, improving their skills and by experience learn methodologies and activities that can implement during their training sessions with the children.

After two years of practice, it was time to seriously test the skills developed in the UN Global Goals World Cup in Bangkok.

Highlights of the GG World Cup, Bangkok Feb. 9

What are the Global Goals?

The Global Goals, also called The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.

What is the Global Goals World Cup?

Global Goals World Cup was established to create sports events that inspire amateur athletes to become champions of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals and drive progress and change in their communities. The first Global Goals World Cup tournament was held in 2016 in Copenhagen during the Women Deliver Conference.
Since the first tournament in Copenhagen, Denmark, the event has been held around the world, promoting and spreading knowledge about the Global Goals through football.

GG World Cup Bangkok

PlayOnside participated with our female teachers team in the event in Global Goals World Cup in Bangkok, February 2019

There is a female football revolution brewing in Mae Sot. What used to be considered a male dominated sport where people raised their eyebrows when they saw girls playing is rapidly changing – because of PlayOnside.

Our female teachers team consists of 12-16 migrant teachers, meeting every Thursday for football training. Not all of the players had the necessary documents to travel to Bangkok, but finally we were able to go with 8 players. For many this was their first time in the capital, and for all of them, it was the first time playing a regular football tournament. As most of the PlayOnside girls never had the chance to play as young girls, and only started playing football two years ago, the expectations were of course not too high. But amazingly, through great team work, and a fighting spirit, the team could after eight exciting games, lift the trophy.

The team had to choose one of the global goals to promote, and for PlayOnside and this team in particular, it was an easy choice. The girls promoted Global Goal 5 – Gender Equality in an incredible way. More important than the trophy, was the experience for the team, and the PlayOnside Girls Team did not only win the tournament, but also the hearts of everyone watching this great event.

Coming back to Mae Sot, telling about their experience, they will show the young girls in our program that everything is possible if you work hard and you work together. PlayOnside is so proud to have so many great female role models in the team, and this tournament was a great boost for everyone involved in the organization. Big thanks to GG World Cup, and Chelsea Football Foundation for an amazing event. See you next year