Success Story of Nasteexo Hassan: How Ubah Centre Transformed My Life
Nasteexo Hassan Mohammed, a 19-year-old girl with dreams as big as her heart, joined the Ubah Centre in 2020. Introduced by a close friend who was already part of the football team, Nasteexo initially had her doubts. Growing up, she never believed that girls could play football. But that all changed the moment she stepped through the doors of Ubah Centre.
From the very first day, Nasteexo felt like she had found a second home. The team welcomed her with open arms, and she instantly knew she belonged. Despite never having played football before, she pushed herself, and today she proudly calls herself one of the best players on the team. Through Ubah, she not only discovered a love for sports but also built friendships that will last a lifetime. “It made me more interactive and brought me closer to the community,” she says.
Beyond just the game, Ubah Centre has given Nasteexo a vision for her future. She now dreams of joining the Somaliland girls’ football team. Ubah has become more than just a place to play; it has become her safe space, her sanctuary. “When I feel low, I come here. When life is hard, I come here. Ubah has become my peace place,” she explains.
One of the biggest challenges Nasteexo faced was her family’s initial refusal to let her join. Like many girls in her community, her participation in sports was met with resistance. But after bringing her family to the centre and showing them that it was a safe space for girls and women, they finally accepted her decision. “My family saw that it’s a girls-only football centre, and they understood it was safe.”
Today, Nasteexo stands proud, encouraging other women and girls to follow in her footsteps. She is living proof that sports can change lives—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. “Women and girls should be encouraged to do sports, especially for their health and every aspect of life,” she says with conviction.
Nasteexo’s journey is a testament to the power of sports and community, and how a single opportunity can unlock a world of possibilities. Thanks to Ubah Centre, she’s not just playing football—she’s breaking barriers, building dreams, and finding peace.