Masalli hosts Live Your Goals festival

A Live Your Goals festival was held in Azerbaijan’s Masalli region this week, with the aim of promoting the inclusion and participation of women and girls in football. The festival was played out against the soundtrack of the musical orchestrations of a DJ and included top-level coaching clinics for young girls from all over the area. A press conference was  held with Jamal Manafov, head of Masalli’s sport and youth department, and a number of Azerbaijan’s more famous footballing icons.“We are happy that our local girls from Masalli in different age categories got a chance to participate in this absolutely magnificent event,” said Manafov. “It is also a positive experience for us in the Ministry as we have never held football festivals for girls before.” Heydarov, former coach of FC Baku, was also eager to sing the festival’s praises. As a professional football coach I have seen many talented young people who have desire and passion for football,” he said. “Festivals like this help young people to get more acquainted with football, its rules and culture. We are very happy that girls from the eastern part of the country could also participate in this festival. I think we shouldn\'t stop on this and continue organising festivals like it in the other parts of the country.” The festival is part of a tour of Live Your Goals events in Azerbaijan, leading up to the country hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup between 22 September and 13 October.