Supporting women's football in Mali

In November 2009, two female coaches from The FA joined us in Mali to deliver an advanced coaching course to 20 women.

Laura Harvey and Tracy Kevins led the training, which was held over three days at Djoliba FC, one of the biggest football clubs in Mali. Participants came from eight local disability organisations, women's and girls' leagues, local football teams and inclusion based projects.

The aim of the course was to support women's football in Bamako by building skills and learning new coaching techniques to deliver quality education on sexual health through sport. The course began with an opening ceremony, which was attended by some of the most influential individuals and organisations in Malian sport - including the Malian Football Federation, the National Olympic Committee of Mali, the President of football coaching in Mali, the President of the football league of Bamako, the General Secretary of disability sport in Mali, and the President of Djoliba FC.

The course participants had already completed varying levels of Coaching for Hope training from level one to level three since 2006, and building on their existing knowledge this course focused on developing advanced coaching skills to deliver crossover and communicate social messages to young people in their communities.

Bana Sidibe, who co-ordinates the Coaching for Hope programme in Mali, said "The course was delivered and attended by some of the most inspiring and dedicated people we work with and it was a complete success. The energy and enthusiasm of the local coaches is exemplary, and the pride in their work is obvious for all to see. Our relationship with The FA grows ever stronger when we get the opportunity to work together like this. Laura and Tracey delivered the course to a superb standard at all time and represented their organisation with professionalism and enthusiasm."