Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN a bid to enhance the development of women’s football at the grassroots level, Green Bloods Football Academy have started an extensive recruitment initiative aimed at targeting talent in schools.
This initiative is designed to identify and nurture young female talent, providing them with the opportunity to engage in football from an early age.
By collaborating with educational institutions, the academy hope to create a robust pipeline of aspiring female athletes who can benefit from structured training programmes and competitive play.
This proactive approach not only aims to increase participation rates among girls in football but also seeks to foster inclusivity and empowerment across communities.
Green Bloods founder and administrator Ashleigh Jere said currently they have two girls and are looking to bring more on board.
“Our aim is to find young girls who aspire to play football, already we have boys’ teams but we have been somehow silent on girls,” she said.
“We have noted that we actually need to go out there and engage the communities and schools because this is where the girls are.” The recruitment campaign will involve outreach activities and talent identification sessions in various schools across the capital. Jere said the programme is also meant to ensure that young girls are aware of the opportunities available to them in football.
Green Bloods will also provide a supportive environment where female players can develop their skills, build confidence and pursue their passion for the sport.
By investing in grassroots initiatives, the academy will contribute to the long-term growth of women’s football, ultimately leading to a stronger representation of female athletes in higher levels of competition. Formerly CAPS United juniors, Green Bloods play in the Harare Province Junior League, where they field teams in five age groups.
Their under-10 side are in position 15 on the 22-team log table with three points in an equal number of games.
They have an Under-12 team sitting second on the table with nine points in three games while the Under-14s, 10th on the log have amassed six points in three outings.
The Under-16s sit in third position on the standings with nine points in three games while the Under-18 teams are on position nine with four points.
“Our boys are doing well, which shows that our project is in the right direction.
“Now it is time to recognise the need for an inclusive approach that allows young girls to develop their skills and gain valuable experience in a competitive setting.
“We have structured training programmes and with some competitive participation, we can produce future stars.”
This initiative not only seeks to enhance the academy’s roster but also to empower young girls in a sport that has traditionally seen limited female participation,’’ added Jere.
