“I Am Here”: Women’s Football In Palestine
Woroud Sawalha, Palestine
Woroud Sawalha is a former Olympian and physical education teacher from Sur Baher in Palestine. She works for Palestine: Sports for Life (PS4L) as a coach, focusing on providing opportunities to women and girls.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your current football life?
My name is Woroud Sawalha, I am 30 years old. I live in Jerusalem, specifically in the village of Sur Baher. I was an Olympic athlete in track and field, running the 800m at London 2012. Now I work as a physical education teacher and as a sports trainer in camps and clubs. I have worked with the Palestine: Sports for Life (PS4L) organization for more than three years now as a sports and life skills trainer and a coach at Um Tuba club.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
The photos show the Palestine: Sports for Life (PS4L) girls’ teams that I train from Sur Baher village. I tried to show the real enjoyment of girls playing football, because there are such few opportunities for girls in sports. Some girls have families that prevent them from playing football, but with encouragement they are playing the game they love to play.
What are the opportunities for women’s footballers in Palestine?
There are very few opportunities for women to play football in Palestine, especially for Muslim women. This is because of the views, customs, and traditions of their society. But I expect a great future for Palestinian women in football, as the game is still spreading more widely and the demand for it has become greater.
There are now more girls' soccer teams than ever before. Women's football can be the door through which the girl goes out into the community to say “I am here”.
What does football mean to you? Why is football so important for Palestine and its people?
Football is the game that I encourage my students to play because of the fun they can experience. Football is like other sports, but what distinguishes this game is the presence of a large audience from all over the world.
What impact has PS4L had on your life?
Palestine: Sports for Life was the beginning of my journey as a coach and sports teacher in my practical life. I talk about this organization to others and encourage them to work and volunteer with them. In the future my ambitions are to have the happiest people around me and to leave a beautiful trail everywhere I go.
