Saudi girls playing soccer

For decades upon decades sports has always been viewed as a man's world. Men dominated the sports arenas and it was rare to see a woman as more than just a spectator. It took great strides before women were seen as a solid competitor. And that was just in "westernized" liberal countries. So imagine how hard it must be for a woman in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be viewed as an athlete?

So everyone knows that Saudi Arabia is a male dominated country. Women have far less rights than that of men. Women there are not allowed to drive or be seen in public without covering their hair. In some regions of Saudi Arabia, women are not even allowed out unless they have a male relative such as a brother or father accompanies them.
Well some girls are shaking up the dynamics in Saudi Arabia. A group of girls have formed their own team. A soccer team. Yes that’s right I said it. SOCCER. And I could not be any more proud to say that one of the girls is my COUSIN.
My cousin and I do not get to see each other very often because she lives in Saudi Arabia and I live in America. However, what I do know is that she is in love with soccer. She adores the sport. On our summer vacations to Egypt, I would see her kicking the ball around in the front yard or playing street soccer with the little five year old boys. She would do anything for a chance to play. When she wasn’t outside playing in the streets or soccer fields of Egypt she would be playing soccer on Nintendo, play station and whatever other gaming systems we have in our house. My cousin is an avid soccer fan. She watches all the games and has vivid arguments with my relatives on good playing techniques.
With this step, hopefully more women will be inspired to speak out. More girls should have the courage to step up and fight for their rights. I have been to Saudi Arabia and I must say it is a beautiful country rich in family ties and cultural uniqueness. Saudi Arabia is fighting so hard to keep their strong roots to the Islamic religion and their background as a nation. Nobody is challenging this. I do not think Saudi Arabia should become completely “westernized”. However, I do not see a problem with girls playing soccer or any sport for that matter in an area with no men around.
Her and her team is seen on YouTube and MBC. I could not be happier for her. She deserves this chance to play. I wish her the best of luck in all she does especially in soccer. I hope she goes far with this. God bless her and her team. Inshallah (God willing), they will make it big. Alf mabrook ya gamar!! (a thousand well wishes).