Tobyl and Freedom QJ League host a spring girls’ football festival in Kostanay

The festival was dedicated to the celebration of Nauryz. Its main goal was to promote football among young girls in the city and encourage them to join sports sections.

Dozens of girls aged 7 to 12 took part in the festival. The program included игровые stations, mini football matches, educational activities, and more. Guests at Tobyl Arena could also take photos in a special photo zone, get face painting, and win prizes from event partners: Arasan, Underground, Macan, CyberLand, and Myasoed.

As part of the event, Freedom QJ League representatives – expert analyst Zhanna Malgazhdarova and media marketing coordinator Assanali Ashimov – held an introductory meeting with parents of young footballers who will take part in the upcoming League season.

This was not the first festival organized with the participation of Freedom QJ League specifically for girls. In 2024, the League held a large football celebration in Pavlodar, and the following year returned to the city to celebrate the launch of a full-fledged girls’ tournament.

Tobyl was one of eight teams that took part in the debut season of Freedom QJ League W. The Kostanay team finished sixth in the championship. The players also attended the festival and participated in its activities.

“Every year, more and more girls are becoming interested in football. This sport develops not only physical abilities but also personal qualities in every child. My daughter plays football, and I want to see her succeed on the same level as boys.

In our city, I believe there are not enough women’s teams. Football is usually seen as a boys’ sport, and parents tend to imagine their sons in it. Events like this help both parents and girls learn more about football.

As a mother, I once saw my daughter in gymnastics and dancing. But one day, at the age of 10, she came to me and said: ‘Mom, I want to play football.’ I’m proud that I didn’t stop her, but supported her.

Now I feel immense pride for my child. Not every teenager today is engaged in something meaningful, and I’m happy that my child always has goals and plans. She travels, participates in matches.

Every success of hers is also my success. As a family, we try to attend games whenever possible and support our team.

To other parents, I would say: support your child. If your daughter chooses football, don’t limit her – support, invest, motivate, and remind her that she is doing great.

Even if she doesn’t build a career in football, she can become a coach, a doctor, or support athletes in other ways. The most important thing is to support your child and their choice. Because this might be the path where they find success and fulfillment. And that is what truly matters,” said the mother of Tobyl defender Dina Kukil.