The Saudi Women’s Premier League is gearing up for its third season set to begin on September 27, showcasing the continued growth of women’s football in the Kingdom. With over 200 players from more than 20 nationalities, the league is establishing itself as a professional platform for female athletes. This season, which will span 18 weeks and feature 90 matches, will see the addition of 15 new international signings across its 10 teams. The league’s popularity is on the rise, highlighted by Al Nassr’s recent qualification for the preliminary stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League.
To kick off the season, the #SeeUsPlay campaign has been launched to raise awareness and support for women’s football in Saudi Arabia. With football gaining popularity, especially among young women, the campaign encourages fans to engage with the sport and show their support for the players. The Women’s Premier League is also benefiting from a larger increase in female participation, with 77,000 female players currently involved in the national school league. SAFF President Yasser Al Misehal expressed pride in the progress of women’s football in Saudi Arabia, noting the growth at all levels and the support for the teams.
Aalia Al Rasheed, Head of Women’s Football at SAFF, recognized the league’s growth since its inception, highlighting the transformation from having no professional female players to hosting athletes from over 20 countries. She expressed excitement at witnessing the development of women’s football in Saudi Arabia and looks forward to seeing the continued progress in the upcoming season. The investments made in women’s football in the Kingdom are paying off, with an increasing number of female players contributing to the growth of the sport.
With the third season of the Saudi Women’s Premier League about to begin, the excitement and anticipation are palpable as the league continues to evolve into a prominent platform for female athletes. The addition of international talent and the success of teams like Al Nassr in the AFC Women’s Champions League preliminaries are testaments to the rising interest in women’s football in Saudi Arabia. As the league expands its reach and popularity, initiatives like the #SeeUsPlay campaign are crucial in driving awareness and encouraging support for women in sports.
The growing popularity of football among young women in Saudi Arabia is evident in the increasing participation in the national school league, which now boasts 77,000 female players. This surge in interest is a clear indicator of the positive impact of investments in women’s football in the Kingdom. SAFF President Yasser Al Misehal’s recognition of the progress made in recent years underscores the significance of the advancements in women’s football and the continuous support for female athletes in Saudi Arabia.
Aalia Al Rasheed’s reflection on the league’s journey from its inception to the current season emphasizes the remarkable growth and development of women’s football in Saudi Arabia. The presence of athletes from diverse backgrounds and the league’s expanding international reach signal a promising future for women’s football in the Kingdom. As the Saudi Women’s Premier League embarks on its third season, the strides made in promoting female participation and showcasing talent demonstrate the bright prospects ahead for women’s football in Saudi Arabia.
