Khalida Popal, Maria Tavares, and Paula Regil will receive scholarships aimed at promoting female leadership in the football industry
The scholarship program, promoted by Johan Cruyff Institute and World Football Summit, has announced its new recipients: Khalida Popal, Maria Tavares, and Paula Regil are the professionals who will further their education in the sports industry thanks to this initiative. Out of 94 applications received, 14 finalists were selected, from which three winners were chosen. These new scholarship recipients join the growing list of success stories from previous editions of the program.
In addition to full scholarships for the three winners, the program will also reward other participants. The remaining 11 finalists will receive a 30% discount voucher for any program at Johan Cruyff Institute. All other applicants will receive a 20% discount voucher.
Khalida Popal: a voice for refugee women
Khalida Popal is the former captain of the Afghanistan women’s national football team. In addition to being an athlete, she is an activist and the founder of Girl Power Organisation, an association dedicated to empowering refugee and marginalized girls and women through football, leadership, and education. Girl Power operates in underprivileged communities and refugee camps across Europe and other parts of the world.
In her message of thanks, Khalida emphasized the importance of this opportunity for her professional development: “As a refugee and someone who has spent years defending the rights of women and girls through football, this opportunity is more than just an academic achievement; it’s a powerful reminder that our voices and efforts matter”.
“I am deeply grateful to Johan Cruyff Institute and World Football Summit for supporting my mission to use football as a tool for hope, empowerment, and change.”
Khalida will receive a full scholarship covering 100% of the tuition for the Master in Football Business in partnership with FC Barcelona.
Maria Tavares: global projection for African football
Maria Tavares is the president of Africa’s Global Football Management (AGFM), a sports management agency that supports clubs, federations, and football talent across Africa in their development and international exposure. Maria has a long-standing career in sports management, having held leadership positions in federations, associations, and sports institutions.
Grateful for the scholarship, Maria stated: “First of all, thank you to Johan Cruyff Institute for organizing this competition and for the excellence of its programs. I promise to represent all the women who submitted their applications with pride.
“I’m very proud to have earned this opportunity; receiving this scholarship means a lot to me, and I hope to honor it in the best way possible.”
Maria will receive a scholarship covering 50% of the tuition for the Master in Football Business Online.
Paula Regil: from audiovisual to women’s football
Paula Regil is a professional in the audiovisual sector with several years of experience. Throughout her career, she has worked with media companies and educational institutions such as MEDIAPRO and the TAI School of Arts.
For Paula, this scholarship represents a chance to transition into the sports industry and contribute to the growth of women’s football: “Having the opportunity to study at an institution bearing Johan Cruyff’s name is a true privilege for me. Sports and communication are my two passions, so I’m thrilled about this new journey, which I’m sure will help me continue to grow both professionally and personally.
“I’ve been playing sports all my life and have played for several women’s football teams, so my dream is to combine my personal and professional interests and apply them in an organization dedicated to women’s sports, especially football.”
Paula will receive a scholarship covering 50% of the tuition for the Master in Football Business Online.
