With time, women in Saudi Arabia are heading towards advancement, thanks to the ever-changing progressive steps that the authorities have been taking to ensure the kingdom’s development.

The kingdom has now taken a step towards giving equal opportunities for women with disabilities as Al-Sadeeqat, the first soccer team in Saudi Arabia for women with disabilities, has garnered a sponsorship deal.

The partnership agreement was signed by Princess Ghadeer Bint Abdullah Bin Saud, chair of the board of directors of the Friends of People with Disabilities Association (FPDA), and Faisal Al-Amro, partner and general manager of Pioneers Consulting in Riyadh.
With signing the agreement, Princess Ghadeer shared that people with disabilities are an important and beloved part of Saudi society and that the Kingdom guarantees their rights in every way.

With keeping the Saudi Vision 2030 in mind, Princess Dania bint Abdullah bin Saud, the FPDA’s executive director, shared that people with disabilities are allowed to participate in the social life of the country, and to empower them to develop and reach their full potential and that such empowerment is an integral part of the country’s sustainable development plan.

Having said that, the association now looks forward to Al-Sadeeqat becoming the first officially accredited team for women with special needs, so that it can compete in local, regional and international competitions under the association’s banner. With a platform like that, it aims to build confidence in women athletes who want to come forward and embrace the game.

The team has been established to help support the development of sporting abilities among women with disabilities. Participating in sports can help with the rehabilitation of disabled people and also has positive effects on their mental health.

The formation of the team aims to help increase participation by individuals with disabilities in sports, and urge families to get involved by encouraging and supporting their children’s sporting dreams.