Aaliyah, U14 Wyverns Football Story

I love being a Muslim football player for many reasons, but most importantly as representation for other young Muslim girls.

From a young age I have always been extremely athletic. I started with tennis but soon moved on to football as I love the team aspect of the sport. I then joined afc Leyton in year 7 and have been scoring goals for the team ever since!  At AFC Leyton I play as a striker.

My favourite AFC Leyton memory has to be winning the finals in our league cup.  We played so well and the atmosphere afterwards was incredible. An honourable mention: coming second place in the ESF Bognor Regis tournament.

If I had to describe myself as a player it would be a hardworking and resilient team player.

What’s it like being a muslim player?

I love being a Muslim football player for many reasons, but most importantly as representation for other young Muslim girls.  I struggle to fast during training days and matches but Insha’Allah one day I will get there! Some general advice I would give for Ramadan though, is to just take it one day at a time and really use this spiritual month to bring you closer to your faith.

The advice I would give to another Muslim girl that wants to start football is that she shouldn’t be scared to step out her comfort zone and really embrace any opportunity given to her.