9 April
Football for Better Health scales up across São Paulo
Training, mentorship, and health education are opening new doors for girls in sport
Football for
Better Health
scales up across
São Paulo
In April, Football for Better Health, a growing community initiative using football to promote girls’ health and empowerment, marked a milestone in its expansion across São Paulo. Implementing partner Instituto Nossa Arena hosted an energetic gathering at its women’s sports venue, where girls, coaches and partners came together to celebrate the programme’s reach and momentum.
The event reflected how sport is helping break down barriers that have historically limited girls’ access to physical activity, health education and leadership opportunities. Girls led the way with a spirited exhibition match and open conversations about what football means to them, sharing stories of confidence gained, friendships built, and new habits developed through regular play.
Community sport
as a key player in advancing public
health
The event drew attention at the highest level, with a senior delegation from Cities for Better Health founding partner Novo Nordisk in attendance, including the company’s CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, who joined the girls in a friendly kickabout. The visit signalled growing recognition that community sport can play a meaningful role in advancing public health, locally and at the leadership level.
“When they talk about football, you can really see the passion in the girls’ eyes,” Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen noted, capturing the energy and pride on display. Their voices pointed to the programme’s broader ambition: creating safe, inclusive spaces where girls can grow strong, supported and seen.
Growing
momentum
across
the city
Since launching in February with support from Cities for Better Health, Football for Better Health has trained 40 local leaders and coaches from 20 NGOs and grassroots organisations working in underserved areas of São Paulo.
Seven of these organisations have received grant funding and technical support to scale their impact, aiming to provide regular football sessions to at least 650 girls this year. By empowering local leaders and creating welcoming, inclusive environments for play and personal development, the programme is opening new pathways for young girls in the community.
Healthier futures
through sport
At the heart of Football for Better Health is a focus on local capacity-building. Coaches are trained not only in football techniques but also in integrating health education, teamwork and self-confidence into every session. These coaches become trusted mentors, helping girls see sport as a pathway to health, connection and opportunity.
Set to run through 2027 and timed to coincide with the Women’s World Cup in Brazil, Football for Better Health is gaining momentum as a scalable, community-led health initiative. By challenging gender norms and investing in youth leadership, the programme enables girls across São Paulo to grow stronger – on and off the pitch.
Read more about Football for Better Health here: Empowering girls, transforming communities: Football for Better Health kicks off in São Paulo
