Aya Women’s Sokka League Empowers Women Through Football in Lagos
The Aya Women’s Sokka League has emerged as a pivotal grassroots initiative, championed by Aya Care and organized by The Hive Leagues in collaboration with Sokka Naija. In recent months, this women-centered program has seen hundreds of participants engage in soccer across Lagos.
Establishing a Premier Platform for Women’s Football
Now in its third year, the league is solidifying its position as one of Lagos’s foremost platforms for women’s grassroots football. It successfully unites players from various neighborhoods, fostering competition, training, and community-building through the sport.
Reducing Financial Barriers to Participation
This season featured six clubs competing weekly in the increasingly popular five-a-side soccer format. Aya Care has taken significant steps to alleviate the financial obstacles often faced by women in organized sports, covering expenses related to training, matches, and league operations.
Champions Crowned in a Nail-Biting Finale
The season reached its climax with an exhilarating final match between Dreamgirls SC and Flying Falcons SC, where the Flying Falcons triumphed in a tense penalty shootout. The league distributed over ₦500,000 in prize money and rewards, recognizing outstanding team efforts, weekly player performances, and individual achievements.
Aya Care’s Broader Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
Organizers highlighted that this investment demonstrates Aya Care’s extensive commitment to uplifting women beyond healthcare products, actively funding opportunities that empower women through sports and community initiatives.
Beyond Football: A Holistic Approach to Women’s Well-Being
Aya Care co-founder Inya Ajanaku emphasized the importance of the league in their mission to support women’s well-being and aspirations. She remarked on the limited access many women in Lagos have to sports, advocating for the need for funding and focused institutional spaces. Aya Care aims to extend its support for women beyond menstrual care, with this league representing a tangible investment in well-being and community empowerment.
Advancing Opportunities for Women in Soccer
Henry Koko, co-founder of The Hive Leagues, lauded the impressive skills and commitment displayed by players throughout the league. He expressed pride in helping create structures that facilitate consistent competition for these women. As global and national interest in women’s soccer escalates, Aya Care intends to continue its investment in programs that expand opportunities for women to engage in sports, whether as players or coaches, on and off the field.
