By Lea AlSabah
KUWAIT: Maya Abu Huwaij, a high school student in Kuwait, spent countless hours searching for a suitable badminton club. Most of the results online were outdated or limited to specific groups. She said that the few clubs she found were either too far away or had pricey membership fees. Even when she finally found a club, the scheduling conflicted with her school commitments. She still decided to visit the club but the limited equipment and unfriendly atmosphere made her feel out of place and unwelcome.
Abu Huwaij’s experience is an example of the challenges you face when finding sports clubs in Kuwait. With limited options, high barriers to entry, and a lack of inclusivity, many young people are unable to pursue their athletic interests. In Kuwait, the spotlight has been directed heavily on soccer, with amazing programs dedicated to it, meanwhile other sports struggle to receive a fraction of the same energy. It’s difficult to find good sports clubs, especially for less popular sports. Many programs online are either unreliable, too crowded, or not accepting new members. This can be a real challenge for athletes and enthusiasts who want to participate in structured activities.
Layan Sabagh, a student at Swift Academy, has also faced a long-standing challenge in finding sports clubs. A passionate volleyball player, Sabagh spent two years searching for a decent club. Her primary obstacle was the unreliability of online searches. Ultimately, she found a great volleyball club through a friend she had made during an event. Sabagh expressed her frustration with the limitations of school clubs. While they offer opportunities to play during the school year, practise is often restricted to the volleyball season. She questioned how she could continue pursuing her beloved sport beyond these limited timeframes.
While Kuwait boasts a vibrant soccer scene, other sports often struggle for recognition and resources. The limited availability of quality sports clubs, coupled with difficult entry requirements and a lack of inclusivity, can hinder athletic development and limit opportunities for social engagement. To address these challenges, Kuwait could benefit from increased investment in sports infrastructure, the encouragement of community-based sports programs, and greater support for diverse sports clubs. By fostering a more inclusive and accessible sports environment, the country can empower its youth, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen its sporting culture beyond soccer.