ZEINA HAMARSHA

“Today there are stories about women in sport that are inspiring not only for female athletes, but also for male athletes.”

HerStory meets Zeina Hamarsha, former goalkeeper for the Jordan National Football Team (Jordan Football Association). Current Junior Football Quality Programme Manager at FIFA, with a Civil Engineering Bachelor’s Degree.

ROLE MODELS

“Women in sport lack exposure to role models. When playing in the national team I had no female role models that inspired me to grow in my position as a goalkeeper. Today you have stories from athletes such as, Mary Earps who are inspiring not only women, but to male athletes too.”

A TURNING POINT

“Jordan hosting the U17 Women’s World Cup in 2016 was the turning point for my life and career. It was the moment where I learnt that being involved in sports doesn’t have to be as a player or coach; it can also be as an industry professional. The General Secretary for the Jordan Football Association, Samar Nassar, and my family were great supporters of me throughout my professional journey.”

ROLE MODELS

“My favourite athlete is Mary Earps, not because she is the best female goalkeeper who I look up to, but also because she fights for the inclusion of goalkeepers . Her campaign to sell the England goalkeeper shirt during the World Cup is a prime example of this.

The Jordan Women’s National Team is the team I am championing because it’s the team I played for. We have many talented players including Maysa Jbarah, who is one of the top 10 international female scorers in the world, but her story is not well highlighted.”

STORYTELLING IN SPORT

“Storytelling highlights the challenges of women athletes.

With increased exposure, we will have more motivated women athletes who will continue their own unique stories and inspire generations to come.”