Youth Women's Football Advances in Brazil Through Local Initiatives and Competitions
Brazilian municipalities are advancing women's youth football through projects like Por Elas and regional competitions such as the Copa Sesport, promoting female empowerment and athletic development.
- • The Por Elas U-13 team from Belford Roxo won their first 2026 match with a 5-2 score, emphasizing youth development.
- • Por Elas supports up to 90 girls with free football training and educational programs, focusing on discipline and citizenship.
- • Barra de São Francisco's women's team will debut in the Copa Sesport on April 5, 2026, reinforcing local sports representation.
- • Local governments back these initiatives through resources and technical assistance to promote female empowerment in football.
Key details
Brazil is witnessing significant growth in women's youth football, highlighted by recent initiatives in various municipalities. The 'Por Elas - Centro de Performance Esportiva' project in Belford Roxo celebrated a notable achievement when its under-13 girls' team secured a 5-2 victory against Daminhas da Bola from Duque de Caxias on March 16, 2026. Taís Lira, project coordinator, expressed pride in the team's performance and the importance of the event within Women's Month. The Por Elas project, under the municipal Program Viva Bem, supports up to 90 girls aged 13 to 18 by combining football training with educational support and fostering personal development traits such as discipline and self-esteem.
Meanwhile, Barra de São Francisco prepares to launch its women's team in the Copa Sesport de Futebol Amador 2026 with a first match against Vila Pavão set for April 5, 2026. This event marks an official return of women's football competition in the area, featuring home-and-away matches aimed at reinforcing local representation in state-level sports. The local government backs the initiative by providing technical support and new sports materials for female athletes, emphasizing social integration and visibility of women’s football.
Both efforts indicate a growing commitment to empower young women through sport, promoting skill development and greater participation in Brazilian football's female youth sector.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
