The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) and the Social Services Agency are implementing a joint social project aimed at integrating children deprived of parental care into sports and boosting their self-confidence.

According to Offsideplus.az, UEFA has published a special article on its official platforms regarding this initiative, which has caught the attention of the European football body. Set to commence in August 2024, the project currently involves six orphanages in Baku, Sheki, Ganja, and Lankaran. Certified coaches conduct training sessions for the children twice a week and organise "Friendship Cup" tournaments.

The initiative is already yielding its first results, with many participants being recruited into local club academies. For instance, Alina Jafarli represented Shafa in the Women’s League last season. Additionally, 13 girls are currently playing in the youth teams of Shafa, Merhal, Neftchi, and Araz-Nakhchivan.

Kifayet Mustafayeva, head of AFFA’s Social and Environmental Department, emphasised the importance of the project:

"Our goal is to support the physical and psychological development of children and to strengthen team spirit. Through football, they gain not only sports skills but also leadership and communication abilities."

From Orphanage to National Team: The Example of Fidan Jafarova

One of the main sources of inspiration for the project is Fidan Jafarova, a player for the Azerbaijan national team and Turkey's Hakkarigucu Spor club. Placed in an orphanage in Sheki at the age of nine, Fidan began playing football at the Merhal club with the support of AFFA. By the age of 11, she was called up to the U-15 national team and has progressed through all age groups to reach the senior squad:

"When you grow up in an orphanage, you don’t think about the future; even dreaming seems like a luxury. My coaches and teammate Nahida Mammadova introduced me to football. Everything changed when I received the call-up to the U-15 national team. Football gave me purpose and made me confident. Today, football is my family and my support. I want my story to inspire struggling children—never lose hope."