INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
Souad Alqam’s Journey: Women in Sports ‎

Souad Alqam’s Journey: Women in Sports ‎

“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

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 .