In 2022 we started Play FIFA Like a Girl as a way to create a safe space for girls and women to learn to play FIFA. In 2023, we’re levelling up the concept to help prepare lady gamers to compete with the men in the South African FIFA tournaments. It’s time we rise up and own this space. Here is everything you need to know about Play FIFA Like a Girl.. and how you can register to participate!
I joined forces with Goliath Gaming to run the first Play FIFA Like a Girl. The concept was simple – I just wanted to create a space where ladies who didn’t have access to consoles or a safe space to play, could spend a day jamming FIFA and learning from pros. We had so much incredible support and I’d toyed with the idea of doing a second version of the event, but needed to figure out what that looked like.
Joining forces with Busisiwe Masango-Steenkamp
During the first Play FIFA Like a Girl I had the chance to meet Busi. She was this crazy force of energy who loved football and FIFA. She’d been running a podcast focusing on women’s football and was immensely skilled at FIFA. So skilled, in fact, that two Goliath Gaming players, Julio “Beast” Bianchi and Thabo “YvngSavage” Moloi spotted her at the event and told Goliath Gaming to keep an eye on her. They did, and eventually signed her. Busi has gone on to break barriers and do some big first for women in FIFA in South Africa. Most recently she competed in the ECL Official FIFA Women’s Cup. A first for South Africa (and possibly Africa if I’m not mistaken):
Just competed in my first international competition @eclofficial FIFA Women’s Cup . Unfortunately I got knocked out .But I will be back in March for the Second qualification Tournament. I really had Fun though . Only representative for the African content.WE GO AGAIN .
— Busisiwe 🇿🇦🏃🏾♀️⚽️ (@its_Cyndi) February 4, 2023
It made sense for the next Play FIFA Like a Girl to partner with Busi. She has a passion for the game and wants to compete, not only in Women’s Cups but in all the FIFA events in South Africa. We know there are other women with the same drive but there is a good chance that they have no idea where to start.
So let’s start
For this iteration of Play FIFA Like a Girl Busi and I will be hosting a bootcamp at the Mettlestate studios in Johannesburg. We’re limiting spaces and inviting all women and girls to sign up if they want to improve their FIFA game and potentially start competing. We’re keeping the group small to ensure one on one help, with a few pros coming through on the day to help you improve your game. The idea is to join us in a safe space to get serious (or just learn) about FIFA. Obviously, you know if Tech Girl is around I’ll add some rad stuff to the mix as well.
Here are the deets:
When: Saturday 4 March 2023
Where: Mettlestate Studios, Johannesburg – 10am to 12 noon
Who: Any ladies or girls wanting to learn a bit more about FIFA and play in a safe space
What: We’re spending a few hours jamming FIFA 2023, there will be a few pros to help improve your game and a chance to compete in friendly tournaments on the day.
How: Anyone able to attend can register on the Mettlestate website. We are keeping spaces limited though to ensure a one on one experience, so it will work on a first come first signed up basis.