THE The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) today launched the fourth edition of the scholarship program for players in the women’s championship, aimed at supporting them in reconciling their academic and sporting careers.
At Cidade do Futebol, in Oeiras, the FPF director for women’s football, Sofia Teles, highlighted the “highly encouraging” results of the first three editions of the initiative, where they awarded a total of 49 scholarships, with an average of 16.5 values.
“It’s a great example of what we can do on and off the field. It allows our players to develop both sportingly and academically. Now, we’re back to supporting another 20 players. These programs are fundamental, they help us train more women in football. We will continue to work so that more young players can achieve their dreams and goals”, he expressed.
The award of these scholarships is the result of the FPF’s partnership with the BPI bank and the ‘la Caixa’ Foundation, with applications open between today and November 28th, for 20 supports prepared for young footballers who wish to apply.
The general director of the FPF Academy, José Mendes, the women’s under-18 coach, José Paisana, the women’s under-16 coach, Susana Bravo, former footballer Rita Fontemanha and current players Laura Luís and Rita Melo participated in panels.
A scholarship recipient in the last edition, Sporting de Braga footballer Rita Melo, 18, explained the impact and importance of the scholarship she received, which helped her enter university, where she is currently studying Management, in Porto.
“My parents always taught me since I was little and I always really enjoyed studying. Over time, when football also started to grow in my life, I always felt the need to balance it with studies. The career is short and changes very quickly. On a mental level, having other outlets is also very important. On a financial level, (this scholarship) is always a help, but it is a recognition of our work and effort, in reconciling academic and sporting life”, he highlighted.
At the event, Portuguese internationals Andreia Faria, from Al Nassr Arabs and with a degree in Management and a master’s degree in Finance, and Pauleta, from Benfica and with a degree in Chemistry and a master’s degree, left messages through videos, in which they encouraged and gave strength and motivation to young players to study.
According to the FPF, applications for the scholarship program are assessed by a jury composed of federative elements, taking into account the criteria of merit and academic achievement defined in public regulations.
