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For its second edition, the “CAN des Quartiers”, which takes place until Saturday in Créteil, in the Paris region, is organizing a women’s tournament. The opportunity for dozens of young women to be able to practice football while defending the jersey of their country of origin.
The “Neighborhood CAN” blows out its second candle. Born in 2019 then interrupted for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the competition is inspired by the African Cup of Nations. Each team is made up of amateur or professional players who have come to represent their country of origin.
And this year, women were invited to kick the ball. A dozen women’s teams have competed since May 29 under the banners of their country of origin – Senegal, Algeria, the Comoros or even France.
“Finally, we are starting to be integrated into all the projects. This gives us opportunities to be able to play, and meet other female footballers”, greets Laureen, captain of the French women’s team of this “CAN”.
“It is close to my heart because, in general, most people separate things between girls and boys. Except that there, they thought of us, they integrated us into this ‘CAN'”, abounds Shala , player of the Algerian women’s team.
Although fewer spectators come to watch the women’s matches, the players strive to offer a quality game. “There are nuggets: a lot of players know how to play. It’s a shame that there aren’t enough people”, regrets Andrea, player of the Senegalese women’s team.
European and Asian teams
The arrival of women on the lawns is not the only novelty. This year, the tournament is also evolving by integrating European and Asian teams, such as those from France or Portugal. “There are large Portuguese communities in our neighborhoods, Italian communities too. They are friends with whom we grew up at school. We did not see ourselves continuing without integrating them into the competition”, explains Moussa Sow, creator of the “CAN of the districts”.
