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Empowering Female Coaches: The Impact of the WFDI Programme
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| IOC Young Leaders Programme Support | The IOC Young Leaders Programme has been instrumental in helping Towobola achieve her vision. The backing from the IOC has enabled her to reach places she never could have ordinarily. Expert sessions refined her goals and provided the necessary funding to kickstart the project. |
| WFDI Programme | The Women’s Football Development Initiative (WFDI) has made significant strides in providing pathways for female coaches. The pilot edition last year saw 85 participants receive coach leadership training, engaging around 2,000 young girls through 22 school visits. This year’s cohort welcome event is being held in celebration of International Women’s Day. |
| Streamlined Programme for 2024 | This year, the WFDI is streamlining its programme to ensure a more concrete impact for aspiring female coaches and players. The focus is on fewer participants but with a greater emphasis on providing pathways for those who want to transition to coaching. Some of last year’s participants will be employed in the academy, offering them a place to put their energy and knowledge. |
| Long-Term Goals | Towobola’s long-term vision is to see a woman from the WFDI coaching in both the Nigeria Women’s Football League and the Nigerian Premier Football League, and ultimately winning it. This ambition is driven by her passion to empower female coaches to reach the highest levels of the sport. |