- M
- S
Soccer has always been more than a game for us. It is a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a powerful tool for change for the girls in Madagascar. Unfortunately, girls’ soccer in Madagascar remains deeply underrated, and many of these young girls face unimaginable challenges daily. According to the data provided by the UN Women, over 33% of women in Madagascar experience gender-based violence, and only around 38% of girls complete secondary education. These grim realities threaten to silence their dreams before they even have a chance to speak them aloud.
My name is Nya Rafali, and in 2019, I founded Yfomac with a dream close to my heart : to give girls in Madagascar a chance to play, to grow, and to believe in themselves. I grew up playing soccer mostly with boys, and I know firsthand how rare opportunities are for girls like us. Yfomac is more than just a soccer school for me; it is a place where girls are empowered to break barriers, rewrite their stories, and rise above their circumstances with courage and hope. Every time these girls step onto the field, they are not just playing a game, they are claiming their right to dream big, to be seen, and to build a future that was once out of reach. This is the opportunity I wanted to create because every girl deserves the chance to shine
Yfomac is a family-run association founded out of pure passion and commitment, we create safe spaces where these girls can play football freely, become bold and confident, and prepare to face the world head-on. We do more than teach soccer skills: we nurture resilience, self-belief, and ambition. Through football, our girls learn to stand strong, challenge societal norms, and envision a future beyond the hardships that surround them.
Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, where opportunities are scarce and dreams of traveling beyond its borders seem impossible for many. For most of our girls, soccer is the only path to make those dreams a reality, to travel, to compete on international stages, and to break free from the cycles of poverty and limitation.
Our goal is to help these girls dream bigger, reach higher, and work harder both on and off the pitch, because their potential extends far beyond the football field. We want them to know that their dreams, whether in sports, education, or any other field, are valid and achievable.
In 2026, we will proudly participate in two prestigious international tournaments: the Dana Cup in Denmark and the Norway Cup in Norway. Both competitions strongly align with our vision of empowering young female athletes on a global stage.
The Dana Cup, organized by Fortuna Hjørring, is led by an all-female football club founded in 1966 and today one of the leading clubs in Denmark, internationally recognized for its long-standing commitment to women’s football and youth development.
The Norway Cup is one of the largest and most renowned youth football tournaments in the world, bringing together teams from dozens of countries every year. It offers young players a unique opportunity to compete at an international level, experience cultural exchange, and grow both on and off the field.
Since Yfomac operates solely on family dedication and parents engagement without external donors, we rely entirely on the generosity of our community and supporters like you to turn this vision into reality.
By contributing to our fundraising campaign, you are not only helping cover travel and accommodation, you are investing in the future of these courageous girls. You are helping write their stories of victory, resilience, and hope. Together, we can give them the chance to play beyond the limit, to grow confidently, and to dream without limits.
Please join us in this journey. Your support will change lives. Your generosity will ignite futures.
Learn more about our girls and their achievements here :
Learn more about Dana Cup here :
Learn more about Norway Cup here :
Our team with the help of the parents will do all the necessary to cover the costs at the local level regarding the paperwork and all but we are raising funds to cover the essential costs that will enable our team of 16 players and 4 coaches/managers to participate in the Dana Cup and the Norway Cup 2026.
Breakdown of Fundraising Goal: $37,000
Flights (Antananarivo to Denmark/ Norway-Antananarivo ) – $1,400 per person
Total for 20 people: $28,000
Ethiopian Airlines offers the most affordable flight option at this price, which covers the entire team and staff.
Accommodation and Meals – Approximately $285 per person
Total for 20 people: $5,700
This includes school accommodation with meals provided during the tournament in Denmark, ensuring a safe and healthy stay for all.
Local Transportation – Estimated $60 per person
Total for 20 people: $1,200
Covers airport transfers and local shuttle services between accommodations and match venues.
Contingency Fund – $1,870
Reserved for unexpected costs such as medical needs, extra meals, or minor equipment
Organizer
