Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has launched the second edition of the support and development program for women's teams participating in the Premier League, as well as the first- and second-division tournaments.

The financial support has been increased from SR50 million to SR60 million for the new 2024-2025 sports season, aiming to meet challenges and implement the development program for women's teams.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation aims to elevate the level of women's competitions, establish new teams, develop youth categories in clubs, and enhance their organizational and technical performance to achieve an advanced professional level. This initiative supports the development of national teams across all age groups.

The second edition of this initiative marks significant progress, with the number of participating clubs increasing from 34 teams last season to 70 teams in the upcoming season.

The competition structure has been updated in the second edition, including the launch of the second division league and a futsal league. Additionally, there is a new requirement for clubs to contract with coaches holding the Asian Football Confederation's PRO coaching license to enhance technical standards. Furthermore, new standards related to sports medicine, nutrition, and technology have been introduced to improve performance and training quality within the teams.

The teams are divided into three categories based on competitions: (A) Premier League clubs, (B) First Division clubs, (C) Second Division clubs and futsal teams.

Alya Al-Rasheed, Director of Women's Football, emphasized that the program in its second season aims to strengthen women's football by raising the level of clubs, developing emerging talents, and achieving a professional level that meets the Kingdom's sporting aspirations, benefiting local competitions and national teams across all age groups.