Taking part in sport can and should be girls’ choice, says Zhanna Andreasyan

The GOALS Girls Summit 2026, organised by the GOALS Armenia educational foundation under the theme “More Than a Game”, took place in Yerevan.

According to Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, the event marking the foundation’s tenth anniversary brought together around 250 girls aged 11–15 from more than 20 urban and rural communities across Armenia, alongside around 50 representatives of state institutions, international sporting organisations and the business sector.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan, UEFA Women’s Football Development Coordinator Alyssa Lagonia, GOALS Armenia Executive Director Teny Avakian and others. Football Federation of Armenia President Armen Melikbekyan and Basketball Federation of Armenia President Artur Nazaryan also attended.

Welcoming participants, Andreasyan stressed the importance of expanding girls’ participation in sport and ensuring equal opportunities. She addressed stereotypes that persist in society, noting that sport was often not considered a first choice when developing girls’ interests, even though it should be accessible to everyone.

“Taking part in sport can and should be girls’ choice. Sport also means community and personal development, bringing changes that lay the foundations for major shifts in public behaviour and culture,” the minister stressed.

Andreasyan said one of the organisation’s most important achievements was the change in each girl’s life: discovering her potential, developing social and emotional skills and building confidence.

“The dreams you have written on the Wall of Dreams must become goals, and they will become achievable when you simply begin to believe in yourselves,” the minister told the girls. She reaffirmed the state’s readiness to continue supporting important initiatives for girls’ development.

UEFA Women’s Football Development Coordinator Alyssa Lagonia reflected on her sporting experience, saying professional football had helped her build confidence and develop important life skills.

“Looking around here today, I can see that our future is very bright. UEFA is investing more than ever to create new opportunities for girls around the world to play football. Investment alone, however, is not enough. Above all, we need people: players, coaches and referees. My main message is to be open to every opportunity that football and sport can offer. You never know where they might take you,” Lagonia said.

GOALS Armenia Executive Director Teny Avakian reflected on the foundation’s ten-year journey, stressing that its work was rooted in the idea of changing girls’ lives through sport. She said an initiative that began in one community had grown into a broad movement, with more than 1,000 girls playing football and basketball each year in over 80 Armenian communities.

The summit also featured panel discussions, interactive workshops and meetings with leaders.

Participants reviewed the “RISE: Girls in Motion” programme, which used sport and education in 2026 to help girls in different Armenian communities develop their capabilities, strengthen their confidence and build social and emotional skills. The programme was implemented with support from the Hovnanian Foundation.

The event also highlighted the importance of cooperation between state institutions, international sporting organisations, the private sector and civil society in creating more inclusive and equal opportunities for girls.