SCORING GIRLS* IRAQ

SCORING GIRLS* Iraq is an open and free program for girls aged 8 to 18 who live in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps or in host communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. We use soccer as a starting point to create secure and trusting environments where girls can build self-confidence, experience a sense of community, and develop their social skills. They receive psychosocial support that provides stability and helps them cope with traumatic experiences.

SCORING GIRLS* Iraq is an inclusive, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious project. We support girls in broadening their perspectives, trying new things, and actively participating in society.

In Iraq, we offer weekly soccer training sessions and workshops that strengthen physical health, self-confidence, and resilience. Our work is is both trauma-informed and diversity-sensitive: girls experience secure and stabilizing environments where they can connect across ethnic and religious differences, build friendships, and actively shape a sense of community. In doing so, they develop key skills such as teamwork, fairness, and conflict resolution.

In addition, we provide psychosocial support and offer needs-based therapeutic assistance through our qualified professionals. We also empower participants through educational programs on topics such as gender-based violence, mental health, and social participation. Role models – successful female athletes and committed individuals from sport, culture, and the community – inspire the girls and open up new perspectives.

Many of the SCORING GIRLS* have experienced flight, displacement, or violence, including survivors of the 2014 genocide against the Yazidis committed by the so-called Islamic State (IS). The girls often grow up in precarious conditions and face discrimination, as well as limited access to education, healthcare, and social participation. Even girls born after 2014 are shaped by their families’ experiences and the lasting impact of the genocide.

SCORING GIRLS* Iraq provides them with secure and trusting environments, strengthens their resources, and creates opportunities for connection, community, and personal development.

„I am convinced that with the SCORING GIRLS* we are addressing the ‘roots’ of the issue — and that we need to expand the projects not only within Germany, but also beyond, where children have just as much a right to dreams and aspirations.“
Tuğba Tekkal, SCORING GIRLS* Founder

TESTIMONIALS

“Since I joined SCORING GIRLS*, my life has fundamentally changed: I’m motivated to learn skills for the future.”

SCORING GIRL* Sonya
“When I play football, I feel like it’s how it used to be – when everything was carefree. These moments give me hope and joy. The sense of togetherness I experience at SCORING GIRLS* motivates me to become better.”

SCORING GIRL* Niran
“When we come here, we can forget all our worries. We meet new people and can make new friends. It was always my dream to become a soccer player.”

SCORING GIRL* Rojin
“Sports are very important for the girls. Especially for their physical health, because they are still growing and should develop a healthy and resilient body.”

Trainer Sipal