Al-Shabab FC (Riyadh, Women)

Shabab Football Women Club, commonly referred to as Al-Shabab Ladies (), is a Saudi Arabain professional 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

The club's origins trace back to 2017, when Storm WFC was established. In 2022, Al-Shabab acquired Storm WFC, and in 2023, they also acquired Al-Yamamah, merging both clubs to strengthen their women’s section. The current club is the result of this merger.

History

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.

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. 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.
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.

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.

Players

Current squad

Management and staff

Managerial history

Honours

Official

Senior

SAFF Women's Cup:
* Runners-up (1): 2023–24

Youth

Saudi Women's U-17 Tournament:
*Winners (1): 2023–24

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Al Shabab, FC
Football clubs in Riyadh
Women's football clubs in Saudi Arabia
Association football clubs established in 2022
Saudi Women's Premier League clubs