CAF and UEFA team up to provide health-focused workshop at CAF U17 GIFT Zimbabwe 2025

The Confédération Africaine de Football’s (CAF) U-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) provided the platform for a CAF–UEFA partnership initiative aimed at educating young players about vaccine health in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Wednesday.

The CAF U17 GIFT Zimbabwe 2025 is not only about developing players on the pitch, but also about providing education and awareness on a range of issues that give girls the skills they need as they grow older.

The CAF U-17 GIFT tournament adopts a holistic 360-degree approach, combining matches with coaching clinics, safeguarding sessions, grassroots festivals and health-focused workshops.

“Empowering young girls through football goes beyond just the game; it’s about developing their leadership skills and helping them make informed decisions that will shape their futures,” said Meskerem Tadesse, CAF’s Head of Women’s Football Development.

“Following the awareness campaign held in Tanzania on the sidelines of the inaugural edition of the CAF U17 GIFT in January 2025, we are once again pleased to partner with UEFA and Gavi on this project.

“Our goal has always been to create a supportive environment where girls can learn, grow and promote health in their communities. And this campaign embodies the spirit of awareness and progress for women’s football and women’s well-being across Africa.”

UEFA hosted a Goal Getters workshop on HPV vaccination, which they helped deliver alongside Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

The HPV vaccine is an essential intervention in the fight against cervical cancer, which continues to present a major public-health challenge within Africa. The workshop provided participants with practical health information that will benefit them far beyond the tournament environment.

Similar health-awareness activations have been implemented earlier this year in Eswatini and Tanzania during CAF youth competitions, collectively reaching hundreds of young participants through culturally engaging and football-themed educational sessions.

“Having proudly worn the national team jersey and felt team unity, I know the incredible power of supporting each other, both during games and in everyday life,” CAF Ambassador Amanda Dlamini said. “I want every girl to see that prioritising your health is among the bravest and most empowering choices you can make.

“It fuels your dreams on the field and unlocks a future of confidence, opportunities and resilience beyond football. Self-care is the cornerstone of reaching your goals and motivates others to do the same.”

Through UEFA Together, the organisation also supported CAF by providing sports equipment and gear for players at the CAF U17 GIFT Zimbabwe 2025.