Breaking Barriers Through Football: My Journey with Palestine Sports for Life(Aya Habayeb)

I was just a little girl kicking a ball around in the streets of my neighborhood in Tulkarem. Back then, football was a simple joy—a way to play, laugh, and dream. I had no idea that this passion would lead me to represent Palestine on a world stage.

In 2018, everything changed. I joined Palestine Sports for Life (PS4L), and what started as a football training program at Al-Adawiya School became the foundation of something much bigger. It was here that I found my confidence, learned teamwork, and grew as a leader. Football became more than a game; it became a tool for self-discovery and change.

Qatar 2022: The Moment That Changed Everything

The highlight of my journey came in 2022 when PS4L gave me the incredible honor of representing Palestine at the Street Child World Cup in Doha.

Standing there, wearing Palestine’s colors, I wasn’t just a player—I was a voice for my community, my country, and every child with a dream.
In Qatar, I built friendships with children from every corner of the globe, sharing our stories and showcasing how sport can unite us. Meeting Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser was a life-changing moment—one that filled me with pride and a deep sense of responsibility.

Watching World Cup matches, connecting with inspiring leaders, and telling Palestine’s story to the world opened doors I never imagined: opportunities to grow, learn, and inspire.

From Player to Leader

Through PS4L, I discovered that true empowerment is about lifting others as you rise. The organization gave me so much more than football:

Coaching and leadership training that transformed me from a player into a life skills coach.
A platform to meet people from different cultures and broaden my worldview.
The honor of serving as Palestine’s team captain at the Street Child World Cup.
A new role as a Street Child United Young Leader, representing Palestine on an international stage.

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible people who supported me.
I owe special thanks to:

Ms. Tamara Awartani, one of my first mentors and supporters.
Coach Yumon Al-Masri, who believed in me and helped me grow into a leader both on and off the pitch.

My Message to the Next Generation

Today, I’m proud to be one of PS4L’s success stories, but this is just the beginning. I’ve learned that success isn’t about standing alone—it’s about sharing opportunities and lifting others up.

I carry with me a promise:
To inspire every child I meet.
To show them that their dreams are possible.
To be the bridge between hope and reality, just as others were for me.

My story is not over. It’s the start of a journey filled with hope, opportunity, and victories yet to come.