Sharjah Ladies On Course For League Glory Once Again

Ladies football in the Middle East has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years, reflected in higher participation numbers than ever before.
This year alone, 52 ladies teams are competing across senior, intermediate, and junior divisions in the Middle East GAA League. And that’s not including social competitions that occur throughout the season, either.

Among the most impressive teams in the region are Sharjah Gaels, who have been lighting it up since clinching the league title in 2020. After securing a second league crown in 2022 (with the 2021 season cancelled due to Covid), Sharjah are in pole position again to lift a remarkable third league title in four seasons.
With a two-point lead over Abu Dhabi heading into the final tournament on February 25, the penultimate competition promises to be a thrilling spectacle. If Sharjah triumph at the Sevens Stadium, they’ll be crowned champions again.

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The team has been in glittering form this season, bouncing back to win Rounds 2 and 3 of the league after losing the opener in Bahrain against Abu Dhabi back in October. The Sharjah side is brimming with talent from 1-12, including former inter-county stars Kerrel Clarke (Carlow), Elaine O’Sullivan (Kerry), Caoimhe Fagan (Kildare), Sara Moore and Roisin Kavanagh (Louth), to name a few. Furthermore, Aine Higgins from Tuam in Galway has represented Ireland in the compromise rules series, adding another layer of depth to the squad.

Competition for places on the four ladies’ teams – Senior, Intermediate, Junior A and Junior B – is fierce, with 50 girls training three nights a week vying for spots.
It’s fantastic to see ladies’ football thrive in the Middle East, especially with teams like Sharjah at the fore. What sets the GAA apart is not just the level of competition but the social outlet it provides.

Back at home, it’s harder for someone to take up the sport in their mid-twenties, especially in a less welcoming and sociable environment. In contrast, the Middle East offers an open and welcoming environment that encourages players of all levels to get involved. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a team for everyone. In fact, some girls have never played gaelic games before moving to the UAE and decide to get involved for the social aspect plus the opportunity to engage in a fitness activity outside of work. With year-round sunshine, the chance to make new friends, and the crack off the pitch, it’s no wonder football is becoming an increasingly popular sport for women in the region.

Leading the charge in the burgeoning GAA scene are teams like Sharjah, Jumeirah Gaels and Abu Dhabi, who are helping to take women’s football in the Middle East to new heights.

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