The Saudi Arabian U-20 women's national team concluded its six-day training camp in Jeddah, held from February 16 to 21. This camp is a key component of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's long-term program aimed at developing and preparing the national youth teams and enhancing the players' technical and physical readiness for future competitions.
The training camp featured a comprehensive program under the supervision of the coaching staff. The training focused on implementing various technical and tactical aspects, in addition to exercises to improve fitness levels. The coaching staff also placed great emphasis on enhancing harmony and understanding among the players on the field, and developing team performance, which is considered the cornerstone of building a team capable of competing at both the regional and continental levels.
General context: A boom in Saudi women's football
This growing interest in women's youth national teams comes within the context of the comprehensive renaissance that women's football is witnessing in Saudi Arabia. Since the establishment of the first national women's team in 2021, the game has seen significant leaps forward, most notably the launch of the Saudi Women's Premier League and the First Division League, which have contributed to creating a well-organized competitive environment and raising the overall level of the game. These efforts align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which supports women's empowerment in various fields, including the sports sector, and encourages community participation in sports activities.
The importance of the camp and its future impact
The importance of this training camp lies in its investment in the future of Saudi women's football. The under-20 national team players represent the core of the senior national team in the coming years, and honing their talents and providing them with competitive experience from a young age ensures continued development and the building of a solid foundation of professional players. Domestically, these camps contribute to raising the quality of players participating in the local league, while regionally, they aim to prepare the national team to participate effectively in tournaments such as the West Asian Football Federation Championship. Internationally, the ultimate goal is to build a team capable of competing in the AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers and then achieving the dream of qualifying for the FIFA Women's World Cup in the future, thus enhancing the Kingdom's standing on the global sporting map.
