INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
Aya Habayeb: Believing in oneself

Aya Habayeb: Believing in oneself

by | 7 Apr 2021 | Gender equity, Intercultural and interreligious understanding, Social inclusion, Youth empowerment

This is my story on how football proves nothing is impossible and that no obstacle stands in the way of dreams of fans in this game.

My football ambitions started when I began to participate in school football tournaments and played with my brothers at home. When my team became first place in the Schools Football League in 2018, it pushed me to participation in a football team in my city. This team was founded by Palestine: Sports for Life (PS4L). When I first trained with the team, I was warmly-welcomed and received words of affirmation from my coach. From the first day my couch was impressed with my speed, and throughout the years my skills have only improved through my coach is keen eye in identifying which skills to develop on. Not only has my skills improved over the years but the game of football developed my personality and taught me about life. Through the motivation I gained from my PS4L team, COVID-19 did not hinder my ambitions, I took this opportunity to develop my skills in football.

I have to say, I faced some backlash since I was not conforming to societies expectations in girls not playing sports. But through these difficulties I proved myself through my capabilities when me and the team participated in the 11th Football League. I wanted to show my skills and I did, by scoring multiple goals and distinguishing myself on the field. After two years, I am proud to see where I have come in terms of my skills. I will work now and in the future to become a player in the Palestinian women’s national team and a player in one of the biggest football names in the women leagues.

Souad Alqam’s Journey: Women in Sports ‎

Souad Alqam’s Journey: Women in Sports ‎

by | 7 Apr 2021 | Gender equity, Peace education, Social inclusion, Youth empowerment

“I see sports as a way of life and a form of self-discipline. Football is not only a game but a distinction towards self-confidence.”

My journey towards sports started from a young age. I grew up in a family that loves sports. During my school years, I was part of the school’s table tennis and volleyball team along with my twin sister. In 2010, it was a game-changer year for me. It was the year where I was introduced to football and found myself completely captivated and ambitious towards the sport. Through the Female Club for Football, in Palestine, a women’s team was formed which I was so proudly to be a part of. It was the first women’s football team in the district of Hebron, Palestine.

I later on became a football coach for the under 14 (U14) and under 17 (U17) years old female teams. When I became a coach, I saw how my students developed and started to create new goals for themselves. Through Palestine: Sports for Life (PS4L), I learned how to use sports to develop and teach life-skills for youth. It was a major growth point for me as a coach, since the programs and workshops presented by the NGO provided a way for me to send a specific message through sport. I currently am associated with numerous associations and federations, and am grateful on the role I play through these institutions. As a member, my work focused on making an inclusive environment for different age groups, while focusing on letting more girls participate in sports.

One world, one sport

One world, one sport

by | 6 Apr 2021 | Gender equity, Peace education, Youth empowerment

Kickboxing has taught me to fight for one goal but above all it has shown me that when people from all over the world fight towards the same goal things go better. In my case I have met people from different countries and friends who have taught me how to support us to improve our sport.

I have been able to share it with my teammates with my national team and with my own opponents that reaching out to others to feel affection, strength and support to evolve are achieved from the heart and love .