Empowering Young Women Through Sports in Nablus

Being part of a team as a young woman is a big deal. I remember at the age of 14 the joy and sense of belonging I felt making the soccer team – how proud I was of wearing that uniform! Therefore, as an intern at Tomorrow’s Youth Organization’s Summer Program for disadvantaged youth in Nablus, Palestine, I choose to implement a soccer program specifically for teen girls. Society puts so much pressure on girls, including being small and cute. But on the court, we can feel empowered and powerful. We can break down barriers, set our own boundaries and move beyond them.

In Nablus, it is even more essential for teenage girls to have access to these spaces, as there is little to no non-mixed environment where they can play freely with other girls. Also, I know how pivotal this experience has been for me during my teenage years. I think the experiences we have at that age are crucial to the adults we will become. When I asked Mena and Mayar, two members of our team, why they wanted to be a part of the TYO soccer team, they both shared my view on the importance of creating a safe space for girls to learn a sport:

"I love soccer and I really want to train. There are soccer fields in Nablus, but I can't really go there because the boys are already playing. I don't feel comfortable so I try to play at home, but I don't have much space to develop my skills. Here, I can play safely with other girls my age," Mena told us. "I like being here because it's different from school," Mayar explained, "I can get out, learn new skills, and exercise.’’

However, Mena admitted that she sometimes feels shy about playing, even with girls: “This is the first time in my life that I am playing with strangers, having to listen to a coach and work with people who are not my friends or family. Seeing the other girls play, I think they are so strong! They show me what I want to become. By playing on the same team as them, I feel more and more confident.’’

For me too, being part of a soccer team has really given me confidence and helped me build lasting friendships. When I had to play a new position on my team back home, it pushed me out of my comfort zone. Many of the girls on my team back home are still a part of my life. We shared laughs, tantrums, stories and dinners after a win or a loss. Being part of a team is like being part of a family; you may have difficulties with certain members at times, but you must overcome them because you are part of something bigger than yourself. Playing soccer has indeed taught me to work not just for myself, but for the good of the whole - to put my ego aside - to do the right thing instead of playing to impress others. It's therefore a space where we can learn to have a healthy relationship with the competition, as well as better communication and sisterhood. As an intern at TYO, I was committed to cultivating this transformative space for girls in Nablus. Many of the girls described how grateful they were to have a space for them to build their skills freely and connect with each other. 

‘’I think I'll make a lot of friends here’’, Mena told me.

I think so too Mena.