By Sara Hamad
Schools & Colleges Fueling the Base
Across Riyadh, high schools and universities are forming more competitive and inclusive sports programs. Schools like American International School are active members of local leagues such as RISAC and SSA, offering multiple sports evenings and weekends for student athletes. Colleges too are boosting physical activity through clubs, friendly intercollegiate matches, and shared sports facilities that serve students and local community groups.
National Programs & Pathways
The Ministry of Sport, under Vision 2030, has launched programs to bridge community sports with elite performance. The Sports Law, enacted in mid-2026, now governs federations, competitions, licensing, coaches, and facilities—strengthening institutional support for athletes at every level. Meanwhile, the Saudi Sports for All Federation is targeting 40% participation in regular physical activity among the population, with specific programs designed for school students, university members, adults, and seniors.
Community Clubs & Private Sector Role
Private academies, clubs, and grassroots initiatives are now stepping in to fill gaps—especiallly in after-school hours and neighborhoods with fewer public facilities. The NAFES platform, part of the Quality of Life Program, is enabling private investment in sports clubs, academies, and centers. This helps ensure young athletes can access quality training year-round without needing to join top professional clubs right away.
Challenges & Opportunities Ahead
Despite gains, challenges remain—equitable access for women, consistent infrastructure in all districts, and support for talent beyond football are often raised. Schools sometimes lack enough qualified coaches or year-round competition. But existing strategic plans—including the National Sports Strategy—are directly targeting those gaps by expanding facilities, training coaches, and diversifying sports opportunities.
How to Get Involved Locally
If you’re a student, teacher, or parent interested in being part of Riyadh’s sports momentum, here are some starting points:
- Seek out your school’s sports club calendar and encourage participation across different sports, not only football.
- Explore private academies officially licensed via platforms like NAFES for quality coaching and programs.
- Use the Saudi Sports for All Federation’s app and local public spaces for community-based sports events and fitness classes.
- Support girls’ sports teams by advocating for equal practice times, safe facilities, and inclusive policies.
Riyadh’s sports ecosystem is expanding rapidly, and it’s not just about elite competition—it’s about building lifelong health, opportunity, and pride at every level.