📅 Season 2023/24
Our journey with Al Nasr SC marked a pivotal moment for Banaat FC as we found the stability and support we desperately needed in our first, turbulent, season. Starting in February, Al Nasr SC hosted our team three times a week until the end of May, offering us a consistent training environment during a crucial phase of our development.
Al Nasr SC went above and beyond to accommodate our needs. Despite not having female-specific locker rooms, they secured their academy locker rooms for our use, which was a provision that was especially important after facing challenges in finding suitable facilities following our move from the incredible UAE FA grounds.
In our first few weeks, we were fortunate enough to have the temporary guidance of Arsenal legend and right-back, Baccary Sagna and his coaching staff. The baton was then passed on to our incredible Head Coach, and Goalkeeper Coach, Shamel Soqar and Inayatullah Nawaz. With them our team experienced rapid growth and development in just two and a half months. The unwavering commitment of Al Nasr SC to support women’s football played a significant role in our progress as we experienced many unforgettable moments on their grounds.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the leadership at Al Nasr SC, beginning with His Excellency Marwan bin Ghalita, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Nasr SC, whose vision and support has been instrumental in our journey. We extend our gratitude to Mansoor Al Falasi, Chairman of the Board of Al Nasr Investment Company, and to Ahmed Aldaleel, Director of Al Nasr Football Academy, for granting us the support, grounds and facilities and ensuring smooth operations till the special end of our first season as Dubai’s women’s football club. Finally, a special thank you goes out to Sameer Cheruth, Ground Supervisor Football Academy, for being there for the team and going out of his way to provide whatever support we didn’t even know we needed.
Banaat FC is immensely grateful to Al Nasr SC for not only providing a platform for us to excel athletically but also for embracing us as part of their extended family.
We also thank the UAE Football Association for their hospitality during the initial phase of our season. Special appreciation goes to Amal Hassan Bushallakh, Member of the Board of Directors and Chairwoman of the Women's Football Committee, and Abdulrazzaq AlKaabi, Director of Competitions. Without their support, we would not have been able to build what we have today!
