The GOALS Girls Summit 2026, entitled “More Than a Game”, was held in Yerevan, organized by the “GOALS Armenia” Educational Foundation (Girls’ Leadership in Sport in Armenia). Dedicated to the Foundation’s 10th anniversary, the event brought together around 250 girls aged 11–15 from more than 20 urban and rural communities across Armenia, along with approximately 50 representatives of government institutions, international sports organizations and the business sector.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan; UEFA Women’s Football Development Coordinator Alyssa Lagonia; GOALS Armenia Executive Director Teny Avakian; and others. The event was also attended by President of the Football Federation of Armenia Armen Melikbekyan and President of the Basketball Federation of Armenia Artur Nazaryan.
Welcoming the summit participants, ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized the importance of expanding girls’ participation in sports and ensuring equal opportunities. She addressed the persistent stereotypes in society, noting that sport is still not always considered a priority when it comes to girls’ interests and choices, although it should be accessible to everyone.
“Taking part in sports can and should be a choice for girls. Sport is also a means of community and personal development, bringing about changes that lay the foundations for significant transformations in public attitudes and culture,” the Minister emphasized.
According to Zhanna Andreasyan, one of the Foundation’s most important achievements is the positive impact it has on each girl’s life, helping her discover her potential, develop social and emotional skills, and build self-confidence.
“The dreams you have written on the Dream Wall should become goals, and they will become achievable once you simply start believing in your own abilities,” the Minister told the girls, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to continuing its support for important initiatives aimed at empowering and developing girls.
UEFA Women’s Football Development Coordinator Alyssa Lagonia shared her own experience in sports, noting that professional football had helped her build self-confidence and build essential life skills.
“Looking around today, I can see that our future is very bright. UEFA is investing more than ever in creating new opportunities for girls to play football around the world. However, investment alone is not enough. First and foremost, we need people — players, coaches and referees. My main message is to remain open to all the opportunities that football and sport can offer. You never know where they might take you,” Lagonia said.
GOALS Armenia Executive Director Teny Avakian reflected on the Foundation’s ten-year journey, emphasizing that its work is rooted in the idea of transforming girls’ lives through sport. She noted that what began as an initiative in a single community has grown into a large-scale movement, with more than 1,000 girls participating in football and basketball programs annually across over 80 communities in Armenia.
The summit also featured panel discussions, interactive workshops and meetings with leaders. The event marked the conclusion of the “RISE: Girls in Motion” program, which in 2026 supported girls from communities across Armenia in developing their abilities, strengthening their self-confidence and building social and emotional skills through sport and education. The program was implemented with the support of the “Hovnanian” Foundation.
The event also highlighted the importance of cooperation among government institutions, international sports organizations, the private sector and civil society in creating more inclusive environments and ensuring equal opportunities for girls.