Egyptian Women Breaking Mold To Follow American Football Dream

There is no question that American Football in Egypt is on the rise.

This African country with a predominantly young population is steadily increasing its American football player and fan base. It seems that the athleticism and values of the game are rapidly gaining the appeal of Egyptian athletes of all ages, both men and women.

With seven men’s teams playing American football under the banner of the Egyptian Federation of American Football (EFAF), now an offshoot of the EFAF, the Egyptian Flag Football League (EFFL) has added four women’s flag teams and they will start play this weekend.

This historic event will mark the first time the women’s flag football will be played in Egypt, Africa and the Middle East.

A total of 90 women are now registered in three teams: the GUC Eagles, Transforma Pink Warriors and the Cairo SheWolves will compete to win the first ever league title.

Randy Badawy of the SheWolves spoke with Leena ElDeeb of www.scoopempire.com:

“We love the game so we keep trying and pushing ourselves to do something. It is a new sport here in Egypt, and it gives us the chance to let our guard down. Maybe that’s why we love it,”

According to Scoop Empire, each member of the SheWolves team spends EGP 300 per month (about $18) to cover expenses like equipment and field rentals.

Each team will play a total of four games each over the course of the next three weeks.

League schedule for 2016

Read more about how American football is shattering stereotypes for women in Egypt.  Asmaa K. Marie is a member of the SheWolves and is proud of how she and her teammates are breaking down barriers.