Al-Shabab_FC_(Riyadh,_women)
Al-Shabab FC (Riyadh, women)
Women's football club, Saudi Arabia
Al-Shabab Women Football Club, commonly referred to as Al-Shabab Ladies (Arabic: سيدات الشباب), is a Saudi women's football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The club plays in the Saudi Women's Premier League, the top tier of Saudi women's football. Back in 2019, the Storm WFC was established in alignment with the evolving landscape of women's rights in the kingdom.
| Full name | Al-Shabab Women Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Al Leith (White Lioness) | ||
| Founded | 2017; 7 years ago (2017) as Storm WFC | ||
| Ground | Al-Shabab Club Stadium, Riyadh | ||
| Capacity | 15,000 | ||
| Chairman | Princess Reem bint Abdullah Al-Saud | ||
| Head coach |  Miguel Morales | ||
| League | Saudi Women's Premier League | ||
| 2023–24 | SWPL, 3rd of 8 | ||
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2019–2022: Founding and early Presence
The Storm Women's Football Club was established in Jeddah in 2019 in response to the growing interest in women's football in the kingdom. The team's initial foray onto the national stage occurred during the Women's Community Football League regional qualifiers in Jeddah, where they excelled, topping their group and advancing to the second round. Despite facing elimination after a 3-nil loss to Jeddah Eagles, the club secured a commendable podium finish.
In 2021, the team showcased their progress by participating in the SAFF Women's National Football Championship. They finished second in the Western region qualifiers, earning them a spot in the knockout stage. Unfortunately, their journey came to an end with a defeat to Al-Mamlaka, the eventual champions of the tournament.[1]
2023–present: Post-Al-Shabab acquisition and SWPL
In October 2022, it was officially announced that Al-Shabab has acquired the team to participate in the newly launched Saudi Women's Premier League.[2] Right before the league kick-off, Al-Shabab revealed the appointment of former Egyptian international Marwa El-Hawat as the team's coach. The club also confirmed the signing of Ugandan goalkeeper Ruth Aturo, Lebanese striker Nancy Tchaylian, and the Egyptian duo Noha Tarek and Hayam Abdelhafez.[3] Resulting in the club finishing in third place at the end of the season.
Months post the conclusion of the inaugural season of the SWPL, Al Shabab acquired Al Yamamah FC who had finished 4th in the 2022–23 season, and integrated it into its A team.[4]
Prior to the 2023–24 season and to the club's first international invitational competition, the club recruited star players from regional and outside the region like Oriana Altuve, Rita Chikwelu, Chaima Abbassi, Mai Sweilem and notably Corina Luijks who became the first European to play for the team.[5]
Current squad
- As of 18 November 2023
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
Managerial history
| Dates | Name |
|---|---|
| 2022–2023 |  Marwa El-Hawat |
| 2023 |  Fabio Guerreiro |
| 2023–2024 |  Hussain Marzouq |
| 2024–present | Miguel Morales |
Runners-up (1): 2023–24
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- "The Women's League: The Kingdom and the Challenge Advance to the Semi-Finals". slaati.com (in Arabic). 3 January 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
- "Saudi Women's League: 'Al-Shabab' acquire 'Storm'... 'Eastern Flames' strengthen its team with New Signings". aawsat.com (in Arabic). 7 October 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
- "Al-Shabab Saudi agrees with Marwa El-Hawat, coach of the Egyptian national team, to train the women's team". koraplus.com (in Arabic). 4 November 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
- "Al-Shabab officially incorporates the Yamama Women's Team... with Princess Reem as the Executive Director". sabq.org (in Arabic). 4 April 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
- "Saudi Arabia football revolution spreads to women's game". kennisfm.com. 12 October 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2023.