Safia, U8’s Football Story

I choose to wear a hijab, which doesn’t change how I play, but it makes me feel proud to be female and Muslim and to represent my religion.

I got into football because I watched my sister play for the same club, which inspired me.  I saw that she was having fun with her team mates and I wanted that. I thought I’d meet new people, which I did!

As Im still learning, I play everywhere on the pitch.  I think I’m adaptable. However, my favourite position is defender because it’s fun to think about where to place yourself against the other team.

My faviourite memory for AFC Leyton is a tournament when we were in the finals.  We won the runners up trophy.

If I had to describe myself as a player I would say that I’m skilled at ball control and passing with one touch and I think my game plan through, which helps when taking penalties.

What’s it like being a muslim player?

I choose to wear a hijab, which doesn’t change how I play, but it makes me feel proud to be female and Muslim and to represent my religion.

As I am still young, I observe Ramadan in my own way. I fast for a portion of the day, so that I still have energy for learning and growing and sports of course! My teammates are very supportive of this, it is a nonjudgmental club.

My advice for other Muslim (or any girls) wanting to get into football I would say, go for it because you can have so much fun. If you’re Muslim the club are super supportive and you can just be yourself.