A local nonprofit in Memphis is turning the worldwide fervor of the FIFA World Cup into a catalyst for young women’s leadership. The organization is launching a free summer mini‑camp that runs from June 15 to 17, blending soccer instruction with workshops on teamwork, communication, and confidence.
A Summer of Soccer and Leadership
The initiative, organized by 901 Girls With Goals, offers a no‑cost camp that pairs on‑field drills with sessions designed to sharpen collaborative skills and self‑assurance. Co‑founders Carrie Hough and Paula Seward recently appeared on the Digital Desk to discuss the program’s goals and the impact they hope it will have on participants.
Adding to the momentum, Celtic Crossing, a local sports‑focused brand, is auctioning off the coveted “Best Seat in the House” for the World Cup final. All proceeds from the auction will be directed straight to the nonprofit’s programs, providing critical funding for future initiatives.
Hough and Seward emphasize that the camp is about more than soccer; it is about building a community where girls can experiment, lead, and grow. By integrating sport with lessons in leadership, the program seeks to empower participants to carry those skills into academic and professional arenas.
The effort reflects a broader trend of using global sporting events as platforms for social change. Linking the excitement of the World Cup with tangible local impact, the camp illustrates how education, athletics, and philanthropy can intersect to create lasting empowerment for the next generation of female leaders.