The GOALS Girls Summit 2026 was held in Yerevan

ArmInfo. The GOALS Girls Summit 2026, organized by the "Girls' Leadership in Sports in Armenia" (GOALS Armenia) educational foundation, was held in Yerevan. The event, dedicated to the foundation's 10th anniversary, brought together approximately 250 girls aged 11-15 from more than 20 urban and rural communities in Armenia, as well as approximately 50 representatives of state and international sports organizations and the business sector, the press service of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport reported.

The summit was welcomed by Zhanna Andreasyan, Head of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport of Armenia; Alyssa Lagonia, Women's Football Development Coordinator for the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA); Teni Avakyan, Executive Director of GOALS Armenia, and others. Also present at the event were Armen Melikbekyan, President of the Football Federation of Armenia, and Artur Nazaryan, President of the Basketball Federation of Armenia.

Welcoming the summit participants, the Minister emphasized the importance of increasing girls' participation in sports and ensuring equal opportunities. She addressed the stereotypes that still exist in society, emphasizing that sports are often not considered a primary choice in shaping girls' preferences, while it should be accessible to everyone.

"The choice to engage in sports can and should be a girl's choice." "Sport is also a means of social and personal development, leading to changes that become the foundation for important shifts in public behavior and culture," the minister emphasized.

According to Zhanna Andreasyan, one of the organization's most important achievements is the transformation that occurs in the lives of every girl: discovering their own potential, developing social-emotional skills, and strengthening self-confidence.

"Your dreams should become goals, and they will become achievable when you simply begin to believe in your abilities," the minister said, addressing the girls and confirming the state's commitment to continue supporting important initiatives aimed at their development.

UEFA Women's Football Development Coordinator Alyssa Lagonia shared her sporting experience, noting that professional football has contributed to building self-confidence and developing important life skills. "Today, I see that our future is very bright." UEFA is investing more than ever in creating new opportunities for girls to play football around the world. However, investment alone is not enough. It requires people: athletes, coaches, and referees. My key message is: be open to all the opportunities football and sport have to offer. You never know where they will lead you," said Alyssa Lagonia. GOALS Armenia Executive Director Teni Avakyan shared her reflections on the foundation's ten-year journey, emphasizing that the organization's work is rooted in the idea of transforming girls' lives through sport. She noted that what began in one community has now grown into a large-scale movement, with over 1,000 girls from over 80 communities in Armenia participating in football and basketball annually. The event also featured panel discussions, interactive workshops, and meetings with leaders. The "RISE: Girls in Motion" program, which aims to develop the potential of girls living in various Armenian communities through sports and education by 2026, boosting their self-confidence and developing social-emotional skills, was also presented. The program was implemented with the support of the Hovnanian Foundation.

The event also emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies, international sports organizations, the private sector, and civil society in creating more inclusive and equal opportunities for girls.