Habeeba’s soccer dreams are coming true thanks to her hard work and focus! Here she shares her story of playing for the Egyptian National Team and signing her first contract to play professional football. Well done, Habeeba! Thank you for sharing your story! 

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Going to Egypt to play with the national team was an amazing experience. It was such an eye-opener and a great learning journey.

• I got to live the professional life of soccer.
• I got a chance to train with Al Ahly FC.
• AND, I signed my first professional contract with the Zed FC First Team which is an incredible opportunity!

It was an amazing feeling to be selected to attend the very first training camps. At first, it was a bit overwhelming. I was so happy and excited about this new opportunity to represent the Egyptian National Team, but at the same time, I was nervous. I didn’t know anyone or how any of them played as I was from Canada and hadn’t played with them or in the Egyptian league.

There were many girls at the training camps, and the roster had to be cut down to only 25. It was an incredible feeling to survive the cuts and be chosen for the roster. I couldn’t believe I was getting the opportunity to represent the Egyptian National Team, and I was beyond happy!

Memorable Firsts

My international debut was against Tunisia, and it was an amazing feeling. Getting to play in a stadium with fans surrounding you is an experience I’ll never forget.

Scoring my first ever international goal against Jordan was another unforgettable milestone. The feeling of scoring in front of thousands of fans on an international stage wasn’t something I ever could’ve imagined. I was beyond happy I got to have this experience at home in Egypt with all the support from teammates, friends, and family.

I’m so grateful to sign my first pro contract with Zed FC. It’s been an amazing experience getting to play with older girls and living the life of a pro. It’s taught me so much and given me a new perspective on many things.

—“We’re incredibly proud of Habeeba and everything she’s achieved, from being selected for the Egyptian National Team, to scoring her first international goal and then to signing her first pro contract with Zed FC. Her journey is inspiring! Now, having her back with our 2009 APDL group is a huge gift. The girls are buzzing to hear about her experiences, and learning what it takes to compete at the highest level. Her stories have lit a spark in the team and given them a real look at what’s possible with hard work and belief in yourself.” Luis Tinoco, Foothills Foundation Phase Manager—

Looking to the Future

Both the experience of playing for the National Team and a pro club have opened so many new doors and taught me so many new things on and off the field, and I’m so grateful I got this opportunity.

It’s been an exciting time. I’ve made new memories and can’t wait to make more as I continue my professional journey in soccer.

“The staff and players at Foothills have been such a huge help and support throughout my journey. From the coaches putting in extra time to train with me and giving me everything I needed to reach my goals, to the sports science team helping me through injuries and creating custom workouts so I could get extra reps in the gym. Director of Performance, Jamieson Sawka, went above and beyond putting together my highlight video for the national team. I’ve always been able to count on everyone at Foothills to guide me, support me, and help me chase my dream, and now that dream has become a reality!”