Saudi Women Footballers Shine

Girls playing football

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Six years following the initiation of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 reform initiative, Saudi Arabia's female footballers now proudly represent a nation that embraces women's sports progression.

Previously, it was challenging even to find a place to play.

The recent social reforms have dramatically changed women's football in Saudi Arabia, expanding the sport and unlocking new possibilities for players.

In the past, female athletes practiced discreetly, refining their talents indoors, yearning for the day they could compete openly.

Now, merely six years after the Kingdom's Vision 2030 rollout, these athletes represent their country with pride, showcasing their skills in a flourishing women's league and participating in international events such as the West Asian Football Federation Women's Championship.

Assistant coach of the Saudi women's national team, Dona Rajab, recalls when women had to seize the initiative to train together.


Women were playing football in Saudi cities like Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh as early as 2004. "It wasn't public knowledge, but it was happening," she explains.

Before these societal changes, locating a field to play on was a significant hurdle.

In 2016, Rajab joined a circle of young women at Gold's Gym playing football. A year later, the outdoor area closed for renovations, forcing the players to find a new venue.

"Back then, few fields were available for girls, and we faced rejection everywhere," Rajab recalls.

Eventually, one field owner supported their passion and allowed them to rent his field, albeit with conditions. "We didn't mind the conditions; we just wanted to play," Rajab says.

Seeing the potential in these young athletes, Rajab took the initiative to coach them based on her experience as a player.

Over time, more girls showed interest, increasing the number of participants at each practice session.

"This excitement led to the formation of the Storm team in 2017," Rajab continues.

"After engaging in friendly matches with other girls, my commitment to coaching grew, prompting me to pursue a coaching license."

Several young women who began with the Storm are now in the Premier League and national team.

"I'm honored and proud of each girl's hard work and watching their dreams become reality," Rajab adds.

She notes that her experiences playing in the US as a young adult inspired her ambition to create opportunities for Saudi girls, a feat made possible by the support of their country.

For years, Saudi women displayed extraordinary resilience, patiently awaiting their chance to shine.

This moment arrived in 2018, marking a pivotal shift in women's sports in the Kingdom when a new law allowed women to attend stadium football matches.

"The government's support has significantly impacted women's football careers, creating opportunities not only as players but in various roles such as management, media, coaching, and education," Rajab points out.

"It's incredible to witness women across the Kingdom engaging in football and contributing to the sport's growth. Seeing young girls inspired by the game motivates me to keep advancing football in Saudi Arabia."

In 2019, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation established a women's football department.

Since then, support for female footballers has surged, culminating in the women's national football team's formation in 2021 and its first official international match in February 2022.

Reflecting on the first international women's football tournament in the Kingdom in 2023, Rajab describes the experience as indescribable.

"The emotions, efforts, and challenges of that time are beyond words. We approached it day by day, game by game, and gave our best to achieve our goal of playing the game."

She highlights the tournament's influence on women's football today, noting a growing interest among girls and increased family support.

"In witnessing talent grow and thrive each day, I find immense honor in my role," Rajab reflects.

Sisters Majd and Najd Alotaibi, who play professionally in Saudi Arabia and are part of the women's national team, attribute their passion to their father, Fahad, a former player for Al-Tai.

Majd, 17, who plays for Al-Hilal, acknowledges her family's support and considers her father her greatest inspiration. "It's only the beginning of my journey," she affirms.

Najd, 18, playing for Al-Riyadh since age 7, credits her country's support as her primary motivation, stating, "They've always provided ample opportunities for my growth and improvement."

 

Source: arabnews

 

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