MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA), represented by its Women’s Football Committee, has announced the second edition of the Oman Refco Girls’ Academies Championship as part of celebrations marking Omani Women’s Day, observed annually on October 17.
The championship, exclusively sponsored by Oman Refreshment Company SAOG (Oman Refco), was announced during a ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Muscat. The event was attended by Hajer al Muzaini, OFA Board Member and Chairperson of the Women’s Football Committee, and Youssef Ezzikhe, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Refco.
Scheduled to take place in November, the tournament will feature girls aged between 11 and 16. It forms part of the OFA’s efforts to expand girls’ participation in football, identify and develop emerging talent and strengthen the role of sports academies in advancing women’s football in Oman.
The staging of the championship for a second successive edition reflects the continuing partnership between the OFA’s Women’s Football Committee and Oman Refco. It also highlights the important contribution of the private sector in supporting sports initiatives that empower girls and strengthen their presence in Oman’s sporting landscape.
Al Muzaini said the development of women’s football begins with providing girls with genuine opportunities to play the game.
“Building a strong base of female players requires competitions to be organised consistently, alongside an environment that encourages girls to participate and develop,” she said.
“This is what makes the Oman Refco Girls’ Academies Championship so important. We do not see it simply as a sporting competition, but as an opportunity for girls to gain experience and confidence and develop a lasting connection with football from an early age.”
She added that the committee’s ambitions extend beyond identifying talent to increasing the number of girls playing football and encouraging academies to invest in their training and development.
“Every girl given the opportunity to step onto the pitch today represents a valuable addition to the future of women’s football in Oman. Every championship we organise is another step towards building a broader and more sustainable sporting structure,” she said.
Al Muzaini also praised the continuing partnership with Oman Refco, noting that cooperation between sports organisations and the private sector is essential to creating further opportunities for girls.
“We hope the championship will encourage more academies and young players to join the development journey of women’s football in Oman,” she concluded.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
