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In the world of sports, there are few arenas as powerful in uniting people from diverse backgrounds as women’s football. Players of various abilities, ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations come together, driven by a shared passion for the sport.

As we dive into the story of Ayesha Abdeen and the wider Muslim Women’s Football Team, we’ll explore the significance of embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity in the footballing world. In the past couple of decades, strides have made in creating a welcoming environment for women and girls of all backgrounds.

The importance of identity

Ayesha Abdeen represented Britain and her culture in women’s football. She attended a football academy in Richmond, south-west London, where she encountered a lack of representation, being the only Asian and Muslim player. Nevertheless, she persisted, showcasing her talent in local teams and demonstrating her belief in the power of diversity. In 2005, she proudly donned the jersey of the British Muslim Women’s Football Team during Iran’s Women’s Islamic Games.

What makes Abdeen’s journey even more remarkable is her unique identity as a ‘British Muslim.’ In a sport often associated with specific cultural norms, her presence challenged stereotypes and encouraged aspiring female Muslim footballers to pursue their dreams. At the time, advertisements seeking talent for the team acted as a call to empowerment through sport.

As a vice-captain, she demonstrated leadership qualities that inspired her teammates to perform at their best. Her commitment to excellence extended beyond the football pitch; she holds a degree in physiotherapy, reflecting her dedication to holistic health and sportsmanship.

Ayesha’s perspective on her identity and heritage is profound, emphasising her sense of being ‘British’ rather than just ‘English.’ To her, the term ‘British’ embodies a multicultural and inclusive society, aligning perfectly with her experiences and values. Representing Britain in a Muslim women’s team allowed her to embrace her dual identity proudly and to be a catalyst for change within the footballing community.

The Muslim Women’s Football Team

Established in 2001, the Muslim Women’s Sport Foundation (MWSF) embarked on a crucial mission: to bridge the glaring gap of representation and equal opportunities for Muslim women in sports. This pioneering organisation recognised the severe underrepresentation of Muslim women across various sports and set out to change the narrative, striving to create a level playing field for all.

Recruitment

Recruitment in Muslim women’s football has encountered its share of challenges, primarily stemming from resistance within the community towards women participating in sports. Many potential players have faced family pressure, discouraging them from pursuing their passion for football. However, the misconceptions surrounding Muslim women’s involvement in sports have begun to transform, thanks to the encouragement found in the Quran itself, which supports and embraces women’s participation in sports.

An essential catalyst in this positive change was the sponsorship provided by the Muslim News, which allowed the sport to flourish and attract a diverse group of players. Mothers, married women, students and academics alike were attracted through this publicity, showing that you can be a devout MuslimÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýproudly be yourself on the pitch,Ìýbreaking barriers and challenging stereotypes along the way.

Despite initial obstacles, recruitment efforts in Muslim women’s football are gradually reshaping perceptions and paving the way for greater inclusivity and empowerment within the sport.

What’s the impact of greater representation in such communities?

The Muslim Women’s Football Team in the UK has played a significant role in changing the landscape for women players in several ways:

• Increasing representation and visibility for Muslim women in the sport.
• Providing a platform for Muslim women to participate in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
• Encouraging involvement in physical activities, demonstrating that it is possible to reconcile faith and sports.
• Contributing to the multicultural fabric of UK football, fostering understanding and appreciation for different cultures and backgrounds.
• Growing community outreach initiatives, which can include workshops, coaching sessions, and events aimed at encouraging other Muslim women and girls to participate in football.
• Adding to the broader conversations about women’s rights and gender equity in sports.

It’s important to note that the specific impact of the Muslim Women’s Football Team in the UK may vary depending on the region, level of participation, and local dynamics. The team’s influence can be seen both on an individual level, empowering Muslim women players, and on a broader societal level, reshaping perceptions and norms surrounding women’s involvement in football and sports in general.

Abdeen’s story is the fifth in a series of six blog posts spotlighting global individuals from women’s football history. As we celebrate the pioneers of women’s football from around the world, let us remember the importance of inclusivity, collaboration, and the global reach of the sport. By honouring the achievements of individuals like Permi Jhooti. Jane Törnqvist, Maribel Domínguez, Sun Wen and Ayesha Abdeen, we recognise the rich talent and passion that exists within women’s football worldwide, emphasising its significance during the FIFA season and beyond. Discover the visual history of FIFA women’s football here. For more on Alamy’s 2023 #EmpowerHer campaign, read this.Ìý