empowering Women Through Football: AlUla’s Initiative for a Healthier Society
The Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate is making strides in promoting women’s empowerment through a groundbreaking project focused on developing women’s football. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Commission, the Saudi Football Federation, AlUla Sports Club, and the French Agency for the Advancement of AlUla, aims to cultivate a vibrant sporting landscape for women in the region.Aligned with the Commission’s commitment to enhancing quality of life and fostering a healthier society, the project provides a platform for female coaches to hone their skills and contribute to the growth of women’s football.
Building a Foundation of Knowledge and Expertise
The project kicked off with an introductory workshop, conducted in partnership with the french Agency for the Development of AlUla. This session equipped participants with fundamental training techniques tailored specifically for women’s football, emphasizing the development of essential skills and knowledge.Subsequently, a workshop organized by the Saudi Football Federation granted participants the opportunity to earn the “D” football coaching license. This achievement not only validates their expertise but also opens doors to pursue further official certifications, ultimately elevating their coaching capabilities.
Practical Experience and Mentorship
To bridge the gap between theory and practice, an orientation workshop will be held at the Medina camp with the Al-Ula Club women’s football team.Over three days, participants will receive hands-on guidance from experienced coaches, focusing on refining their abilities in coordinating training sessions.
This practical experience will be invaluable in preparing them to take on coaching roles within the community.
A Vision for the Future: Expanding Opportunities and Cultivating Talent
Following the completion of the program, AlUla Club plans to recruit participants as community football coaches. This initiative will not only provide employment opportunities but also contribute to the development of a robust sports culture within the community.
By training female players and nurturing a new generation of talent, the project aims to create a lasting impact on the sporting landscape of AlUla.
Looking ahead, the program envisions expanding its reach by including more trainees in the girls’ school league for the year 2025. Additionally, plans are underway to host additional sports workshops covering a wider range of disciplines, further enriching the participants’ skillsets and promoting a holistic approach to sports development.
This multifaceted project exemplifies AlUla’s dedication to empowering women,promoting health and well-being,and fostering a vibrant and inclusive sporting community.
Empowering Change: A Conversation with Nadia Al-Saad on WomenS Football in AlUla
Joining us today is Nadia Al-Saad, former captain of the Saudi National Women’s Football Team and a passionate advocate for women’s sports. Nadia, welcome to the show!
Nadia: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to be here.
Moderator: Let’s discuss the exciting initiative launched by the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate to develop women’s football. What are your initial thoughts on this project?
Nadia: To be honest, this is the type of initiative I always hoped to see during my playing days.
Empowering women through sport is incredibly meaningful, and focusing on developing coaching skills is a brilliant starting point.It creates a ripple effect – skilled coaches mean more opportunities for girls, better training, and ultimately, a stronger and more visible women’s football scene in AlUla.
Moderator: The project involves practical workshops, licensing programs, and even plans for community coaching roles. How significant is this hands-on approach?
Nadia: It’s absolutely crucial. You can read all the theory in the world, but experiance is what truly shapes a coach.
giving aspiring coaches the chance to work directly with a team, under the guidance of experienced professionals, is invaluable. It builds confidence, teaches practical skills, and prepares them to mentor the next generation of female players.
Moderator: The project aims to expand to girls’ school leagues by 2025 and introduce workshops focusing on other sports. Do you see this as a lasting model for long-term growth?
nadia: I believe so. Starting with football, a sport with growing popularity in Saudi Arabia, is a smart strategy. And expanding to school leagues is key. It nurtures talent early on, creates a culture of sports participation among girls, and sets the stage for broader athletic development in the community.
Moderator: Some might argue that focusing on a specific gender in sports creates division. how do you respond to that?
Nadia: To anyone who says that, I ask them to consider the past lack of opportunities for women in sports.
This initiative aims to level the playing field, not create division. By providing equal access to training, mentorship, and leadership roles, we are creating a more inclusive and vibrant sporting landscape for everyone.
Moderator: Nadia, your insights have been incredibly valuable. what message would you like to leave our readers, especially young women interested in pursuing sports?
Nadia: Dream big, work hard, and don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot achieve.
There are incredible opportunities out there, and with initiatives like this one in AlUla, the future of women’s sports in Saudi Arabia is brighter than ever.
Moderator:
Thank you for sharing your inspiring message, Nadia.
We encourage our readers to share their thoughts. What are your perspectives on the AlUla initiative? How can we support and encourage the growth of women’s sports in our communities? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments section below.
