It sounds silly, but we didn't think girls like us could become referees."
Teenagers Rosheen and Eleeza Khan are the first Muslim football referees in Wales.
The Cardiff sisters said they had loved the sport since they were young but had never seen anyone who looked like them.
They said watching the Women's World Cup, which saw referees wearing the hijab at the tournament, was inspirational.
After a chance encounter and a six-hour online course with the Football Association of Wales (FAW), they now hope to become the role models they never had as children.
Despite managing a "scary" match for the first time, with "unforgiving" parents, the sisters loved it.
"We looked different and we dressed different, but we absolutely smashed it," they said.
Sisters Rosheen, 19, and Eleeza, 17, who live in Grangetown, said their father, who is a Liverpool fan, introduced them to the "beautiful game".
“We are five sisters, so if he wanted to share his love for football, it had to be with us.
"We loved watching tournaments like the Euros and the World Cup, but we never saw any representation of people who looked like us wearing the hijab."
The hijab, also known as a scarf or veil, is worn by some Muslim women to cover their head and hair, while others wear a burqa or niqab, which also covers their face.
People who wear them consider headscarves a sign of modesty, and for Muslims they are a symbol of their religious faith.
Despite her love of football, Rosheen felt that "the role models weren't there and we just hope that we can push this movement and be a role model for the next generation".
"We want to break down as many barriers as possible so that more girls can access the sport, whether it's playing, coaching or refereeing," Eleeza added.
The sisters said that while they thought it wasn't the job for them, they didn't have much judgment from the soccer community.
“Most of the stereotypes we get come mainly from our community and a lot of internal barriers – we think we're not good enough.
"And being from the South Asian community, there's a lot of eyes on us, people looking at us, people saying we shouldn't be there, that we're girls and we shouldn't be playing football and we should be doing something else, like learning to cook ."
said her parents, who moved to the UK from Pakistan, were "very supportive".
The pair now want to start their own football team in Grangetown because they want "Pakistani Muslim girls to know that sport is for them too".
Watching the diversity at this year's World Cup tournament was "amazing", the sisters said.
"Seeing Heba Saadieh, a Palestinian referee who wears a hijab, on the biggest stage in the world was amazing," said Eleeza.
Rosheen added: “It makes you feel seen and it's great to see that representation.
Rosheen said that while progress has been made, there is still a lack of diversity in the sport, highlighted by the lack of suitable equipment for her and her sister.
The sisters are determined to continue in the field, have qualified as trainers and have great ambitions for the future.
"We don't know if we'll get to referee at the top level but it's great to know it's an option, but we'll continue to referee in the lower leagues and at grassroots level."
The FAW said it was committed to ensuring football was for everyone and said it was "incredibly important" that the football workforce represented the diversity of Wales.
The Football Association has set out plans to recruit 50% more referees from "historically underrepresented backgrounds", an increase of 1,000 women and 1,000 black or Asian referees at all levels by 2026.
The World Cup, the pinnacle event in the world of sport, not only captivated a global audience with its intense matches, but also showcased the power of diversity and inclusion. A notable sight at the recent World Cup tournaments was the presence of young referees who confidently donned the hijab. This inspiring display of diversity leaves a lasting impact on aspiring referees, encouraging them to break down barriers and embrace their true selves while officiating on the biggest stage.
Breaking down barriers and breaking down stereotypes:
The inclusion of referees who wear the hijab sends a strong message about breaking down stereotypes and challenging preconceived notions. These young referees show that one's faith and cultural identity can coexist harmoniously with one's passion for sport. The move has the potential to change the way society views traditional norms and expectations in sports.
Promoting inclusivity in the sports world:
The embrace of hijab referees at the World Cup reflects a growing focus on inclusivity in the sporting realm. The move encourages young referees from different backgrounds to follow their dreams and passions, promoting a more diverse representation in the industry. Inclusivity not only benefits the referees but also enriches the overall World Cup experience, celebrating the tapestry of cultures and traditions
Inspiration for a new generation of referees:
The image of referees confidently wearing hijab at the World Cup leaves an indelible mark on young individuals who aspire to officiate at the highest levels. This representation provides them with role models who have faced challenges and succeeded, proving that dedication, skill and authenticity know no boundaries. Aspiring referees are now empowered to believe in their abilities and strive for excellence.
A catalyst for social change:
The visibility of hijab referees at the World Cup serves as a catalyst for wider social change. It sparks conversations about inclusivity, gender equality and religious freedoms. By showcasing diverse individuals in leadership roles, the World Cup contributes to the ongoing debate about representation and social progress, promoting a more tolerant and accepting world.
Young referee
Hijab at the World Cup
Diversity and Inclusion
Strengthening the powers of referees
Inclusiveness in sport
Breaking stereotypes
Inspire the next generation
Cultural representation
Impact of the World Cup
Gender equality in sport
The sight of young referees proudly wearing the hijab at the World Cup is an emblem of progress and sends ripples of inspiration throughout the sporting world. This ground-breaking representation not only redefines the standards of sports leadership, but also sets an example for embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity. As we celebrate the achievements of these referees, we are reminded that the World Cup is not only about winning matches, but also about winning hearts and minds by promoting the values that make us unique human beings.
In recent years, the global football community has witnessed a remarkable transformation that goes beyond scoreboards and goals. The World Cup, a stage that unites nations through the beautiful game, has become a symbol of diversity and inclusiveness. One of the most inspiring sights is the presence of hijab players on the pitch, showing off their skills and passion for football. This phenomenon will make waves not only among players, but also influence a new generation of young referees. In this article, we explore how the visibility of hijab athletes inspires young referees and promotes a more open future for the sport.
Embracing cultural diversity:
The FIFA World Cup has evolved into a global platform that celebrates different cultures, backgrounds and identities. The inclusion of hijab players from different nations is a testament to the power of cultural diversity. As young referees watch these athletes compete at the highest level, they are exposed to the beauty of unity through soccer. This exposure not only educates them about different cultural practices, but also encourages them to embrace diversity within the sport they love.
Breaking down barriers and inspiring change:
The sight of hijab players excelling on the World Cup stage shatters stereotypes and challenges traditional norms. Young referees, who are often at the forefront of change, are deeply inspired by these athletes. Witnessing players being unapologetically themselves and confident in their identity motivates young referees to embrace their uniqueness and stand firm in their refereeing roles. This inspiration drives them to overcome barriers, fulfill their dreams and contribute to a more inclusive football community.
Promoting inclusiveness in governance:
The influence of hijab players extends beyond the field into the officiating realm. When young referees see these athletes represented at major tournaments, they realize that football refereeing is open to individuals from all walks of life. This realization is encouraging more young people, regardless of their background, to consider a career as a referee. The result is a more diverse pool of referees who can offer unique perspectives and contribute to fairer and more inclusive matches.
Power of Attorney by Representation:
Representation matters and the visibility of players in hijab gives young referees a sense of empowerment. When they see players confidently participating in the World Cup while respecting their cultural or religious practices, it sends a powerful message: you can be true to yourself and excel in your chosen field at the same time. This empowerment translates into young referees approaching their roles with confidence and determination, knowing that their identity and experience are valuable assets.
The FIFA World Cup has evolved into a celebration of cultural diversity, breaking down barriers and inspiring change in football communities around the world. Hijab players have become symbols of empowerment and inclusion, inspiring a new generation of young referees to be confident, diverse and open-minded. Looking to the future, it is clear that the influence of these athletes will continue to shape the world of national football and create a more level and fair playing field for all.
The World Cup stage is not all about breathtaking goals and harrowing matches; it is also a platform to promote diversity and inclusion. The recent World Cup witnessed a remarkable moment that left a lasting impact on young referees around the world – the sight of hijab-wearing players taking to the pitch. This strong display of inclusivity paves the way for a more diverse and stronger generation of referees.
Celebrating diversity on the field:
The presence of hijab players at the World Cup showed the tournament's commitment to embracing different cultures, backgrounds and identities. When young referees witnessed these athletes proudly wearing the hijab while playing at the highest level, it sent a powerful message that anyone, regardless of faith or appearance, can excel in sport.
Inspiring Future Leaders:
The sight of hijab players not only inspired budding athletes, but also had a profound impact on young referees. These judges have seen firsthand how the world stage recognizes and respects individual choices and religious beliefs. This experience instilled a sense of pride and motivation in the young officials and encouraged them to pursue their passion for the sport without any limitations.
Breaking barriers:
Embracing hijab players at the World Cup broke down stereotypes and barriers that could have hindered the development of inclusivity in sport. Young referees are now witnessing a monumental shift in the sporting landscape, where players are celebrated for their skill and dedication, regardless of their appearance. This paradigm shift opens up a world of possibilities for referees from different backgrounds to enter the field with confidence.
Empowerment Support:
The presence of hijab players at the World Cup symbolized empowerment. It's a reminder to young referees that they can contribute to the game while staying true to their identity and beliefs. This newfound sense of empowerment fosters a positive environment for players and officials alike, creating a harmonious and respectful atmosphere on and off the field.
Shaping the future:
While the image of hijab-wearing players graces the World Cup stage, young referees are witnessing history in the making. This inclusive representation is reshaping the landscape of sports refereeing and leading to a more diverse and understanding generation of referees who will carry on the values of acceptance, respect and unity.
Celebrating the Hijab Player World Cup inspires young referees around the world to see beyond appearance and embrace the richness of diversity. This powerful message of inclusivity is leading the next generation of referees to break out of stereotypes and lead the way for a stronger and more diverse sports community. Looking to the future, the impact of this historic moment will continue to resonate and shape a clearer and more inclusive path for sporting events around the world.
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