Girls soccer in Brazil, changing gender norms

On Saturday, November 30th, Fabiola School hosted its first-ever Girls’ Futsal Festival, a milestone event bringing together 60 players from three schools—Piró, Átila, and Fabiola. This groundbreaking event celebrated the power of sports to promote inclusion, confidence, and teamwork among young female athletes. Organized by Teacher Suellen, the festival provided a platform for girls to showcase their skills in a spirited yet supportive environment.

The event marked a significant step forward for girls’ sports, as futsal competitions have traditionally been dominated by boys. Teacher Suellen, the driving force behind the project, shared her reflections on organizing the festival and the impact it had on her students.

“Organizing the festival was very good, enjoyable, fun, and fulfilling to be with the girls,” said Suellen. “It gave them an opportunity to participate and face off against girls from other schools in what felt like a competition, but at the same time, where everyone wins with first, second, and third places awarded to all. It was amazing to see them carving out their space, celebrating, having fun, and feeling eager to win. Overall, it was very rewarding to organize this festival exclusively for girls, which is still a significant challenge. Through our project, they gained access to this hard-earned space.”

Challenges and Triumphs

While the festival was a resounding success, Suellen acknowledged a few hurdles along the way. “The organization itself didn’t present many difficulties. We managed to organize the teams properly. The challenge was aligning the teams as planned at school with how things turned out on the day. For instance, we had counted on fifteen girls, but only ten showed up. Apart from that, the festival as a whole went very smoothly. Orlando, the coordinator, did an excellent job organizing everything and supporting us. Everything flowed well, all the girls played, and everyone competed.”

Suellen also emphasized the importance of preparation, from informing the students about the festival to helping them train and stay motivated. “The first step was informing them about the festival. They were very excited about the news. Then came the process of determining how many would participate, forming the teams, and helping them train even more so they would be focused and prepared for the festival. Encouragement and advice were essential steps that are always part of the sports world. It was fantastic to be involved in these processes. This was our first festival, and there are more to come.”

Voices from the Field (we have changed the girls' names in order to protect their privacy)

The players, brimming with excitement and pride, shared their experiences of participating in the festival. For many, it was a first-time opportunity to compete, and the joy and sense of accomplishment were palpable.

Jane "It was really cool; I had never participated in a championship like this before."
Alice "It was an achievement for me. I’ve always wanted to participate in a festival like this. I enjoyed it a lot; it was a really great experience."
Louise "It was really fun to participate. I want to join more and thank ACER. We didn’t think we’d make it, but it all worked out, and we won."
Isabel  "I really enjoyed it. Teacher Suellen is an amazing teacher. I want to participate again next year."
Ana  "It was really great to participate with another school and showcase what I’ve learned in futsal."
Maria "I absolutely loved it, especially for my first time. I’d love to do it again and was so happy that we won."
Vitoria "It was really fun to participate in futsal. I know I didn’t do much, but playing with others and knowing you’ll get a medal is really exciting."
Sophia "I really enjoyed participating in the festival. I was so happy when I saw that we were winning. The girls from the other school played with us, and I was really nervous, but I felt relieved in the end."
Bianca "I loved playing; it was so much fun. Thank you for the championship."

A New Era for Girls in Sports

The Girls’ Futsal Festival was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of empowerment, teamwork, and breaking barriers. For the participants, it was an unforgettable experience that not only bolstered their confidence but also set the stage for more inclusive opportunities in the future.

Suellen is optimistic about what lies ahead. “This was our first festival, and there are more to come,” she affirmed.

With the success of this inaugural event, the girls have not only won trophies but also paved the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in sports.