AlUla, December 25, 2024 – In a significant move to bolster the development of women’s football, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has launched an ambitious new initiative aimed at increasing the presence and participation of women in football across the governorate. This project, developed in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, AlUla Club, the RCU sports sector, and the French Agency for AlUla Development, is a key step in fostering a stronger sports culture and enhancing the quality of life for women in the region.
The initiative seeks to provide a platform for women to engage in football, not only as players but also as coaches, trainers, and sports enthusiasts. It is designed to enhance the technical skills, coaching expertise, and leadership abilities of women in the football community. The program’s focus is on nurturing talent, improving sporting knowledge, and creating lasting opportunities for women to participate actively in the sport.
A central element of the project is a series of specialized workshops and awareness sessions that will equip participants with the necessary tools and insights to succeed in the realm of women’s football. These sessions are targeted at 21 participants, including physical education teachers, students from Taibah University, and other local sports enthusiasts. They will engage with top-tier football experts and gain valuable knowledge on a wide range of subjects, such as fitness regimes, effective coaching techniques, and the broader landscape of sports education.
The program began with an introductory workshop conducted in partnership with the French Agency for AlUla Development. During this session, participants were introduced to foundational coaching techniques specific to women’s football, with an emphasis on developing essential football skills and deepening the understanding of the game’s tactical aspects. This workshop set the tone for the training that would follow and provided a comprehensive overview of the sport’s technical demands.
From December 8 to 11, the second workshop took place under the guidance of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. This session offered participants the opportunity to earn the coveted “D” football coaching license, a qualification that marks the beginning of their journey toward advanced football coaching certifications. By obtaining this license, participants are now able to further develop their coaching abilities, prepare for more advanced training, and gain a deeper understanding of football management at various levels.
Looking ahead, the program will continue with a specialized guidance workshop in Madinah, set to run from January 3 to 5, 2025. This training camp will allow participants to refine their coaching skills and gain hands-on experience in organizing and conducting football training sessions. The focus will be on honing practical techniques and improving participants’ ability to lead teams and manage football activities efficiently.
Upon completion of the training program, AlUla Club plans to invite several participants to join the local community as football coaches, helping to instill a culture of sports within the region. These newly trained coaches will play a pivotal role in inspiring and nurturing a new generation of players. Their efforts will be aimed at elevating the football standards within the community, enhancing the local sporting environment, and providing more young women with the opportunity to discover and develop their talents.
In addition to this, there are ambitious plans to integrate these newly qualified coaches into the upcoming 2025 Girls' Schools League. The project will also host further workshops, expanding into other sports, thereby providing comprehensive training to women across different athletic disciplines. This initiative will undoubtedly contribute to fostering a healthier and more dynamic community in AlUla, where sports and physical activity will become an integral part of the local culture and lifestyle.
This innovative project is a testament to the Royal Commission for AlUla’s commitment to improving the quality of life for the region’s residents through sports and wellness initiatives. By empowering women and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in football, AlUla is taking a significant step toward a more inclusive and progressive sporting landscape, where both men and women have equal opportunities to excel and lead in the world of sports.
