Batool found confidence, joy and belonging on the soccer field, where sport became a shared language of family, faith and well-being.
For Batool, physical activity has always been about more than exercise. It gives her a sense of accomplishment and brings joy.
Her connection to soccer began by watching. In 2008, the UEFA European Football Championship caught her attention, and soon after, she started playing. By the time she was 12, soccer was already part of her life.
“My favorite thing about soccer is that it unites people from all around the world,” Batool says. “We can speak different languages, but on the field, we speak one — soccer.”
On the field, that shared language became a place where Batool could feel strong, connected and free. Her practices usually begin with a warm-up, followed by cardio and conditioning, skill-specific drills such as passing or shooting, and then a scrimmage that brings everything together.
Batool enjoys other sports too, including basketball, badminton, cricket and volleyball. She loves hiking and long-distance running. But soccer has always held a special place.
Much of that connection began with family. Her brother introduced her to soccer and encouraged her to start playing. Her sister became her teammate, motivator and a constant presence on the field.
Batool credits both of her siblings with inspiring her. Her brother opened the door to the sport, while playing alongside her sister pushed her to improve and give her best.
For much of their lives, Batool’s parents felt more comfortable when she and her sister played on the same teams. It became their rhythm: a shared sport and a shared bond.
Then her sister tore her ACL and spent a year away from the game. She still came to Batool’s matches, but playing without her beside her felt different.
The experience pushed Batool to become more independent and confident, while making her look forward even more to the day they could return to the field together.
There were other challenges too. Batool was often the only Muslim girl taking part in sports, and people sometimes underestimated her because she wore a hijab. Rather than allowing those assumptions to discourage her, they became another reason to work harder.
Today, Batool is encouraged to see more representation of Muslim women in sport. For her, belonging in sport should never depend on someone’s skill level, fitness level or the way they choose to dress.
“Sports are for everyone — regardless of your fitness level, and regardless of how you choose to dress.”
That sense of belonging is part of what keeps her moving. Soccer gives Batool confidence, community and joy. Movement helps her feel healthy, sleep better and enjoy life.
Batool moves for well-being.