FIFA has completed the first edition of its Player Impact Programme, supporting 14 leading women footballers in developing social initiatives rooted in their personal experiences.
London | By Sayer Zaland
FIFA has concluded the inaugural Player Impact Programme, a three-month initiative designed to empower elite women’s footballers to build and lead social projects that strengthen their communities.
The programme began with a workshop in Paris in August, where 14 selected players, including World Cup winners and internationally recognised figures, received guidance from FIFA and external experts. Over the following months, participants developed initiatives focusing on access to sport for girls, support for single mothers and increased leadership opportunities for women.
FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis said the programme reflects FIFA’s broader effort to help players extend their influence beyond competition. “This is about supporting footballers to amplify their voices and build a legacy outside the game,” Ellis said.
Canada defender Kadeisha Buchanan drew on her own upbringing in a single-parent household to develop a project that provides football pathways for single mothers and their daughters. “It took a community to support me, and now I want to give that back,” she said.
The participants reunited in London this month to present their projects to a panel featuring Ellis, former Afghanistan international Khalida Popal and philanthropist Olivia Hall. Following the presentations, FIFA awarded seed funding to enable each initiative to begin implementation.
England forward Alessia Russo said the programme helped bring long-held ideas to life through her project, Power Her Play, which aims to create more opportunities for girls in football. FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Tierna Davidson added that the programme’s support was crucial during a challenging year shaped by injury.
The Player Impact Programme is part of FIFA’s long-term strategy to expand the women’s game globally. By equipping players with tools for community engagement, FIFA aims to increase access, visibility and leadership pathways for women and girls while promoting football as a catalyst for social development.