In a historic step, the 'Team Up' has been established as the first women's American football team in Saudi Arabia, featuring 14 players of various ages and backgrounds. This initiative began less than a year ago, starting with only three players, but today, the team is looking to advance the game within the kingdom.
Ali Tawfiq, one of the team's coaches, states that approximately 80 to 90 percent of the players are Saudi, while the group also includes some expatriate players. The ages of the players range from 15 to over 30, united by a common goal of promoting women's American football in Saudi Arabia.
Event Details
The team was officially founded in August 2025, with support from local coaches and organizations aiming to expand the sport in the kingdom. Tawfiq notes that the team is rapidly evolving, as players learn new skills and make significant progress in their performance.
Women's American football, played in a 5-on-5 format, is a simplified version of the traditional game, where tackling is replaced by pulling a flag from the ball carrier. These features make the game safer and more appealing to many female players.
Background & Context
This initiative comes at a time when there is a growing global interest in American football, especially as the sport prepares to enter the Olympics for the first time in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This event represents a significant turning point, as many countries, including those in the Gulf, seek to promote this sport.
Historically, women's sports in Saudi Arabia have faced numerous challenges, but with Vision 2030, the kingdom has begun to support women's sports more significantly, contributing to the emergence of new teams like 'Team Up'.
Impact & Consequences
The team members aspire to achieve greater ambitions beyond local participation, as coaches and players hope the team can compete internationally in the future. Tyrone Jones, the team's coach, emphasizes that the collective efforts of everyone involved will contribute to achieving greater accomplishments.
This experience serves as an opportunity to foster team spirit and collaboration among players, as they participate in building a new sports community. Heba Obaid, one of the players, expresses her excitement and optimism for the team's future, highlighting the importance of mutual support among players.
Regional Significance
This initiative is a step towards enhancing women's sports in the Arab world, as it may inspire new teams in other countries. The success of 'Team Up' could encourage more women to engage in sports, contributing to changing the stereotype surrounding women's sports in the region.
Despite the challenges facing the team, such as limited training hours, the players are determined to achieve their goals. The presence of a women's American football team in Saudi Arabia represents a new beginning and reflects the positive changes in Saudi society.