OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Girls Inc. of Omaha is expanding in order to allow for new opportunities for the girls they serve. The organization, which primarily serves Black and Brown girls in North and South Omaha, is getting a mini-pitch field installed in their North Omaha location.
The field is a collaboration with Football for the World, which was been supporting the organization since the beginning of their soccer program.
"We’ve had a great partnership and working relationship the entire time and we’ve watched the Girls Inc. soccer program grow from nothing to now having over 60 girls involved in the program. We’ve added more girls over time. The green space that they have on their campus wasn’t quite enough," said Monica Bosiljevac, executive director of Football for the World.
The soccer program is just one aspect of their smart, strong and bold model which helps girls to be independent, healthy and educated.
"I think it’s really important because we know when girls are involved in athletics they feel better about themselves physically and socially, it helps build self confidence and it boosts your self esteem while getting in shape while being healthy and making friends," said Emily Mwaja, Director of Programs at Girls Inc.
When the program began to grow they had to start shuttling the girls to the YMCA in order to practice, as their grass area on location wasn't adequate. Adding a field to their backyard will not only save time, but will also lead to more opportunities.
"I think it’s very important to make sure in the neighborhood where our girls live, in the neighborhood where the community we are serving lives, for them to have the same opportunities," Mwaja said.
Girls Inc. and Football for the World expect the field should be done in April of this year.
