Rashida’s Dream: Football, Courage, and New Opportunities in the Yasin Valley – Sport for Change

Rashida is a brave and determined young girl living in the Yasin Valley, a remote and mountainous region of Pakistan. Since she was a child, she has nurtured a deep passion: football. In a place where opportunities for girls are often limited, her dream of becoming a professional football player once seemed out of reach.

Today, thanks to the Sport for Change program — which aims to drive positive change through sport — that dream is becoming a reality. Through the A Goal to Dream project, Rashida has had the chance to pursue her love for football. Thanks to this journey, she and many other girls like her can now play, study, and imagine a different future — one filled with freedom and opportunity.

The Yasin Valley is a challenging place, marked by breathtaking landscapes but also by many obstacles, especially for young girls. With the unwavering support of her family, who has always believed in her, Rashida began training every day with dedication and commitment. The football field became a place of hope and freedom — where, alongside her teammates, she can express her talent and build lasting friendships.

But A Goal to Dream is about more than just sport. Rashida also had the opportunity to attend a safe, stimulating school — a place where she can learn and grow, far from the dangers and hardships that often affect her region. This dual path — both athletic and academic — has opened the door to a future full of possibilities.

Today, Rashida dreams of going to university, to continue learning and expanding her horizons, without ever giving up her love for football. She knows the road ahead won’t be easy, but she’s ready to face it with courage.

Rashida has become a symbol of hope for many girls in her community — proof that sport and education can truly change lives.

Thanks to your continued support, more and more girls like Rashida can nurture their talents and build a brighter future.