Roger Hampel
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has successfully wrapped up a transformative five-day workshop aimed at bolstering women’s football through coach development. Held in Riyadh from May 14 to May 18, 2024, the workshop brought together an impressive lineup of 32 coaches from 13 African countries and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step forward in the global advancement of women’s football.
Bridging Continents for Women’s Football Excellence
Under the theme of empowerment and development, the workshop focused on equipping coaches with advanced skills in football coaching, emphasizing data analytics, female athlete health, injury prevention, and leadership. The event featured a mix of theoretical sessions and practical lessons, providing a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange and professional growth.
Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of SAFF, highlighted the impact of the workshop, stating, "The success of this event underscores our dedication to enhancing women's football both locally and across the African continent. We are committed to building a robust network of coaches who can support each other and collectively contribute to elevating women's football to new heights."
Leading Experts Facilitate Learning Saudi Development
The workshop was led by Lluís Cortés, head coach of the Saudi Arabia Women’s National Team, and featured prominent figures such as Aalia AlRasheed, head of the Women’s Football Department at SAFF. Participants also had the opportunity to learn from elite international experts and key CAF officials, ensuring a diverse and rich learning environment.
International Collaboration
This educational initiative is part of a broader collaboration between SAFF and CAF, stemming from an agreement signed in 2023 aimed at fostering mutual cooperation and enhancing football development. The workshop represented nations including Botswana, Burundi, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Liberia, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia, illustrating a powerful alliance across continents.
Culminating in a Celebratory Match
The participating coaches concluded their visit with an exciting trip to Al Awwal Park Stadium, where they attended the Roshn Saudi League match between Al Nassr and the recently crowned champions, Al Hilal. This event not only served as a cultural exchange but also as a celebration of the strides being made in women's football.
Forward Momentum in Women's Sports
The SAFF-CAF workshop is just one example of ongoing efforts to empower women in sports globally. Through such initiatives, SAFF and CAF are setting new standards for the development of women's football, providing coaches and players with the tools and knowledge needed to excel both on and off the field.
Source: SAFF