I want Saudi women to get a chance to learn and grow- Plumptre
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Ashleigh Plumptre wants to help women's football in Saudi Arabia grow || Credit: Plumptre/X/Instagram

I want Saudi women to get a chance to learn and grow- Plumptre

Stephen Oladehinde 10:43 - 26.10.2023

Ashleigh Plumptre became the first player from the Women's Super League to play in the Saudi Women's Premier League.

The Super Falcons and Leicester City defender completed her transfer move to Al Ittihad last month.

This summer, the men's Saudi Pro League (SPL) saw a dramatic change as a result of a daring and ambitious transfer strategy that saw some of the biggest names in sport

The Nigeria star has now vowed to help the Women's Premier League grow to the same level as that of the men’s league.

Ashleigh Plumptre in action for Al-Ittihad || Credit: X/Al-Ittihad
Ashleigh Plumptre in action for Al-Ittihad || Credit: X/Al-Ittihad

Plumptre on improving women’s football

Plumptre is looking to help make a change to women’s football in Saudi Arabia and bring it to the same level as men's football.

Saudi Arabia's men’s team grew dramatically with the likes of top players like Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Riyad Mahrez making a move to the league. 

First, it was made possible by Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved from Manchester United to Al Nassr in January.

With the level of growth the men's league has seen, Saudi women’s football are also looking to expand using the same strategy and they have made a move by signing Super Falcons star Plumptre.

Plumptre in an interview with The National said, “My football decisions are a reflection of what I care about. 

"I joined Leicester after leaving university because I wanted to represent a club and community that I appreciate because I grew up there. 

“Making the decision to come here was led by a connection to the coach and an alignment in passion to represent something bigger than ourselves.

“I want to be in environments where girls and women want to learn, want to grow and are brave enough to step into more of themselves both on and off the pitch.

“Growing the game here in Saudi is more than just giving girls the opportunity to play professionally but seeing what these women are able to achieve when they are surrounded by people who want to lift them up, challenge them and encourage them to be who they truly are.”

Ashleigh Plumptre, Al-Ittihad player || Credit: X/Al-Ittihad
Ashleigh Plumptre, Al-Ittihad player || Credit: X/Al-Ittihad

Plumptre speaks on her move to Saudi Arabia

Plumptre's move to the Middle East was birthed by the opportunity to revolutionise women's football in Saudi Arabia.

Plumptre continued, “I am someone who makes decisions based on alignment with my inner self.

"A few months ago, I never would’ve expected to be leaving the UK to come to Saudi Arabia but I instantly felt connected to the staff members when having a chat with them over the phone before the World Cup.

"In fact, we didn’t even speak much about football. I’ve always been a fierce competitor but also seen how football is a vehicle for so much more. 

“I have this deep desire to connect with people, learn about other cultures, and hopefully make some kind of impact by being myself, while also experiencing all that football has to offer on the pitch.

"I was joining a project by making the decision to come here and I’m grateful to be one of the first to have the opportunity to be a part of something so exciting.”

Plumptre made a spectacular debut against Dammam's Eastern Flames FC, scoring a hat-trick to kick off her Ittihad career.

After drawing their second match 2-2 with Al Qadsiah, Ittihad is currently third in the eight-team standings after two games.