In a move reflecting the depth of cultural and sporting ties between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince William, the Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne, paid a significant visit on Tuesday to the regional training centers for girls, located within the non-profit Mohammed bin Salman City (Misk City) in Riyadh. This visit, which took place as part of His Highness's official visit to the Kingdom, was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Details of the visit and meeting with the players
During the field visit, Prince William, who also serves as President of the English Football Association, made a point of observing the daily training session of the young female players. He met with several players and members of the technical and administrative staff, expressing his keen interest in the approved development programs. In this context, Ms. Lamia bin Bahyan, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, provided His Highness with a comprehensive overview of the overall strategy for women's football in the Kingdom, highlighting its historical milestones and the significant progress achieved in a short period.
Context of the development of women's sports and Vision 2030
This visit comes at a time when women's sports in Saudi Arabia are undergoing an unprecedented historical transformation, driven by the goals of "Saudi Vision 2030" and the Quality of Life Program. Since the establishment of the Women's Football Department within the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the Women's Premier League and First Division League have been launched, in addition to the formation of the national women's team, which has officially entered the FIFA rankings. The regional training centers visited by Prince William are the cornerstone for discovering and developing young talent to bolster the national teams in the future.
Regional and international significance and implications
The visit of the British Crown Prince carries significance beyond mere protocol; it represents international recognition of the rapid strides the Kingdom is making in empowering women in sports. Furthermore, the presence of a figure of Prince William's stature, with his extensive experience in English and international sports, enhances opportunities for the exchange of expertise between the Saudi and English football federations. Domestically, this visit provides a significant morale boost for Saudi girls aspiring to professional football careers, and underscores the Kingdom's emergence as a global hub for sports across all disciplines, thus strengthening Saudi Arabia's soft power and its positive influence on the international sporting scene.
