The “Ligue D’Égalité” has paved the way for young female footballers in Cameroon in a groundbreaking initiative. Petrichor, La Liga and Fundacion La Liga partnered to provide a league impacting hundreds of young players in a professionally run league. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, 30+ women coaches completed a coaching course taught by La Liga instructors as well. The league began on February 12, 2022 and ended May 21, 2022. 62 games were played by the U13 and U15 girls. The league provided events to watch for the local communities and support for the overall football community (referees, coaches, assistants, educators), thus investing in the overall local football ecosystem.
The league games and events took place at Rain Forest International School and Green City FC facilities in Yaoundé, Cameroon. La Liga representative Tresor Penku along with Petrichor President Paul Dreisbach noted that this initiative as a major step in the right direction for women’s football.
“The response from the community and the players themselves has proven that there is a massive need to step up and provide pathways and opportunities for young girls in Cameroon. The impact has shown how sports done in an organized way can provide confidence, leadership and character development. The league proved that women’s sports is here to stay and can provide positive personal, community and economic impact. ” - Paul Dreisbach
The Spanish Embassy added support for the league and helped with promotion, support and structure.
Tiwa Melong Lys Fraiche, a noted goal scorer and leader in the league said this: "For me, the LaLiga partnership is a great opportunity to accomplish our dreams. I wish to be a professional and a good footballer. I [hope] that all people will talk about me to mark my name all over the country and all over the world."
Petrichor Football Association has been working with youth football and academies since 2017. Due to the severe lack of organization and structure at the youth level in Cameroon, it was time to address the issues. The time was right for an official girls youth league and the partnership with La Liga was the perfect fit due to our common goals and vision for social change using sport. The impact resulting from this league has spread around the world. When something is done for the first time it is important to do it right, and Petrichor and La Liga proved to be the right partners at the right time to get the job done and provide top-notch programs to youth girls in Cameroon. Petrichor looks forward to continuing to build on this initiative and creating even more opportunities for young footballers.
