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SARE (Sports & Art for Relief) a Football & psycho-social support program that came together from the interests of NSOMA’s founder Noorafshan Mirza and  Kızlar Sahada’s founding member Kiraz Öcal. Blending a genuine dedication and fiery enthusiasm for promoting gender equality and empowering women in the world of football, all intricately tailored and brought to life through their distinctive expertise in Psychology and Creative practices. Hand in hand with our valued partner organisation Soma Medigün Zafer Spor Klübü, we have put together a remarkable three-week pilot project. Soma Medigün Zafer Spor Klübü, Türkiye is only one of 3 clubs in the whole Aegean region that focuses solely on the women’s game, developing, training and playing competitive football. SARE initiative ingeniously merges psycho-social well-being, artistic expression, and the heart of football into a one-of-a-kind, tailor-made program.

 The week commenced on a contemplative note, as each dawn heralded a holistic start with breath-work, meditation, invigorating yoga, or the rhythmic cadence of Zumba. These activities not only set the physical tone but also cultivated a profound sense of mental clarity and focus. Following this the team engaged in daily reflections, extracting valuable insights from the preceding day's activities. This paved the way for the workshops on gender equality, football drills, Pyscho-Social, S.M.A.R.T goals, sustainability, creative : mask & costume, football training and winning our matches. We sang together, we learnt together, we won together, meals were not mere sustenance but bonds that cemented friendships. Breakfast, lunch, and an evening BBQ united the team, fostering a sense of kinship that transcended the game itself. As the week progressed, intensity mingled with beauty. The team, driven by a shared commitment to perseverance, underwent profound transformations – individually and collectively. Week 1 stands as a testament to the holistic ethos of football – a blend of physical prowess, intellectual enrichment, creativity, camaraderie, and unwavering determination.

 Awakening the Body, Igniting the Mind: The second week commenced with a symphony of breath-work, zestful Zumba, and meditation, igniting the players' physical prowess while aligning their mental focus for the challenges ahead.

Classroom to Pitch Excellence: Like a choreographed dance, the team seamlessly transitioned between the classroom, high-octane football training sessions, and adrenaline-pumping league games. The schedule, although consistent in structure, morphed into a dynamic set of evolving workshops and topics that were meticulously tuned to cater to the unique needs of our young athletes.

Nurturing Mind and Spirit: Our workshops ventured into the realms of psycho-social dynamics, delving into body positivity and self-confidence, shedding light on the gravity of dating violence, and casting a spotlight on the vital sphere of gender equality. The importance of sports nutrition was a cornerstone of this week's education, arming our athletes with the knowledge to fuel their bodies for peak performance.

The Theatrical Pivot: In a groundbreaking twist, techniques from Boal's innovative 'actors and non-actors' games were introduced, fostering a multidisciplinary approach that intertwined physical and mental challenges. A symphony of movement and strategy, these techniques gifted our footballers with a fresh perspective on the art of play.

Unlocking Creative Potential: On the creative front, a workshop sparked the realm of imagination, inviting our players to design their very own kits. As colours blended and concepts converged, an unexpected narrative emerged. Designs by girls, for girls, uncovered a discourse on the injuries borne by female players due to wearing boots tailored for their male counterparts.

 The third and final week of the SARE project was dedicated to crafting a program designed in tandem with elite athletes, culminating in peer-to-peer learning and empowerment. We got to work with exceptional female player-coaches hailing from the corners of Türkiye  – Adana, Ankara,  Diyarbakır, Istanbul, Manisa, and beyond.

Championing Role Models, Fostering Legacy: The week was an ode to these dynamic women, who have carved their identities as both formidable players and dedicated coaches. With their focus set on enhancing the domestic women's game, they converged to elevate their own skills while inspiring the next generation of players at Soma Medigün Zafer Spor Klübü.

Kickstarting the Day with Purpose: Mornings commenced with a purposeful ritual – a trio of awakening the body, mind, and spirit through a harmonious blend of movement, meditation, and dance. This holistic approach set the tone for each day's activities.

Technical Brilliance and Beyond: Football technical sessions followed, where strategies and skills were honed to precision – the coaches delved into psycho-social activities, exploring the realm of S.M.A.R.T goal setting both on personal and professional fronts.

Sharing Wisdom, Fostering Innovation: The program weaved through workshops, promoting the exchange of coaching styles, methods, and individual techniques. An emphasis on setting boundaries both on and off the pitch was a pivotal aspect, fostering a comprehensive view of effective coaching.

The Power of Networks and Self-Care: The week's curriculum emphasized community building and the value of a robust network. Coaches engaged in peer-to-peer empowerment sessions, recognizing the strength in unity. The significance of mental and physical well-being was underscored through a workshop on the art of self-care.

The Magic of Creative Learning: This week proved transformative as coaches embraced a new facet of education – one infused with creativity and fun. The innovative approach of ‘Boal’s- actors and non-actors' games not only redefined player engagement but also elevated their own coaching performance.

The Epiphany of a Multidisciplinary Approach: The program's multidisciplinary ethos left an indelible mark on the coaches. The blend of physicality and psychology, strategy and creativity, ignited a new dimension of coaching expertise.

 The summer of 2023 has brought forth not only sweltering heat but also a wave of excitement and pride for Soma Medigün Zafer Spor Klübü, four of the club's starting eleven players have been chosen to represent their nation on the U15 & U17 National Team. Elif Sucu, Kardelen Sucu, Melis Güneş, and Elif Çetin have earned the honor of wearing their country's colors and competing on an international stage. This remarkable achievement is a testament to their dedication, skill, and the unwavering support of their club and families.

A Triumph for Soma Medigün Zafer Spor Klübü

For any sports club, having its players selected for national teams is a source of immense pride and recognition. It's not only a validation of the hard work and commitment put in by the players but also a testament to the quality of coaching and training provided by the club. Soma Medigün Zafer Spor Klübü has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in nurturing these young talents and helping them reach their full potential.

The Remarkable Quartet

Elif Sucu: (DEFENDER) U15 : Elif has the ability to play in every part of the defense with her speed and quickness. Her understanding of a hard game is a nightmare for her rivals. Her continuity and endless energy in the game is her biggest weapon.

Kardelen Sucu: (DEFENDER) U15 : Kardelen is one of the indispensable players of the defense. She makes a difference among other players with her speed and quickness. With her superiority in duals, she gives her opponents a hard time. Her name will be named frequently in the future.

Melis Güneş: (GOALKEEPER) U15 : A superior goalkeeper with her quickness and courage. Melis’s skill in putting the ball into play sets her apart from other goalkeepers. She puts her opponents in a difficult situation with the strong intuition that a goalkeeper should have. She will be the indispensable goalkeeper of the U15 National Team and other categories of the national team as she gets older.

Elif Çetin: (MIDFIELDER) U17 : Elif possesses the ability to excel in every midfield position, thanks to her exceptional ball technique and adeptness in utilising both feet. She attracted the attention of the national team coaches with her high percentage of final passes. At a young age, she had the opportunity to play for the A team, ahead of her peers. This circumstance paved the way for her inclusion in the U17 national team. If she continues to develop in this manner, she will secure a significant position in women's football.

The Future of Women's Football

As these four talented players prepare to represent their country on the international stage, their journey from the club to the national team serves as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes, proving that with dedication and hard work, dreams can indeed come true.