Success Stories

 From Struggles to Success as Ubah Centre’s Coach   Nura Ahmed Daahir’s journey with football began in 2005, but it was anything but easy. Growing up in Hargeisa, Somaliland, she faced constant resistance from her family and community. In a society where girls rarely played football, Nuura was met with criticism and isolation. Her peers labelled her with nicknames like “tomboy” and “boyish,” as though her passion for the sport questioned her identity. These judgments set her apart from other girls, leaving her feeling misunderstood and isolated. Nuura’s family initially struggled with her love for football, often discouraging her from playing. There were times when they withheld her training gear, and she had to get creative—borrowing her brother’s shoes or layering socks to protect her feet. But her passion never waned. Football was her escape, her hope, and her motivation to keep pushing forward. Her life changed when she found Ubah Centre. Here, Nuura discovered a place where she was accepted, supported, and encouraged to embrace her passion. Ubah provided her with the resources and community she’d always longed for. With proper training facilities and a supportive network, she not only improved her skills but also regained the confidence she had lost. Ubah Centre helped her realize that her love for football was a strength, not a flaw. As Nuura thrived at Ubah, her family began to see her growth and transformation. Witnessing her success and the positive impact Ubah had on her life, they gradually came to trust and support her journey. Ubah Centre helped open their minds to the value of her dreams, and today, they stand proudly behind her. This shift has allowed Nuura to pursue her passion without hesitation, with her family by her side. But Ubah Centre didn’t just help Nuura follow her passion; it also became a source of income for her. Today, she serves as Ubah Centre’s head coach, a role that allows her to turn her love for football into a sustainable career. Ubah Centre is deeply committed to empowering women not only through support and encouragement but also by offering employment to their champions, contributing to women’s economic empowerment. This commitment to hiring from within their own ranks reflects Ubah’s broader mission to strengthen women’s roles in the local economy. Now, as the head coach at Ubah Centre, Nuura is a beacon of inspiration for young girls facing similar challenges. Her journey, from isolation to empowerment, is a testament to resilience, the power of community, and the life-changing impact of Ubah. Through her role, she encourages girls to chase their dreams, just as she did, and she reminds families of the importance of supporting their daughters’ passions.  

Hana Ismail Ahmed: Ubah Centre’s Advocate and Beacon of Change   At 24, Hana Ismail Ahmed is more than just a registered nurse—she’s a fearless advocate against FGM, child marriage, and harmful practices, driven by a passion for change. Coming from a region that rejected her ambitions, Hana faced community and family resistance for her dreams. She left her job and moved to Hargeisa, determined to join a research project on FGM, an issue she felt called to address. Hana’s first encounter with Ubah Centre was life-changing. Encouraged by the founder, Hana joined the centre and found not only a safe space to alleviate stress and anxiety but also a supportive community that understood her vision. Ubah gave her the confidence to embrace her passions and the strength to face societal challenges. “I didn’t just come to play football; I came to grow, to learn, and to meet people who shared my dreams,” she says. As a Ubah Champion, Hana’s role goes beyond participating in sports. She is an active advocate, working hand in hand with Ubah’s team to raise awareness about FGM, early child marriage, and women’s rights. Together, they hold sessions to educate girls on these issues, creating safe spaces where young women can voice their concerns and learn the importance of advocacy. Hana leads discussions at the centre, inspiring others to stand up for change and fight for a safer future for girls and women. With Ubah’s support, Hana has become a positive thinker, a stronger activist, and a leader in her community. She sees Ubah Centre not only as her role model but as her “home,” a place that saved her and gave her purpose. Hana’s journey from isolation to empowerment is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of support, community, and resilience. Today, she encourages other young women to join Ubah, telling them that football—and advocacy—is for everyone. To Hana, Ubah Centre is more than a sports centre; it’s a movement for change.

Mashacil Cabdillahi : A Journey of Strength and Confidence through Ubah Inspire Initiative Organization Mashacil Cabdillahi Maxamud, 19 years old, joined Ubah Inspire Initiative three years ago, and since then, her life has taken a powerful turn. As a young woman in her last year of high school, she faced significant challenges to pursue her passion for sports, especially coming from a family where only her father supported her involvement in any physical activity. Yet, despite these obstacles, Mashacil found a place of empowerment and belonging at the Ubah Centre. “I used to go to the gym, but Ubah inspired me to take up football and motivated me to push through the barriers I faced,” she reflects. Mashacil had to confront societal and familial pressure, yet Ubah Centre gave her the strength to overcome these challenges. “Joining Ubah really helped me challenge the negative ideas I had about sports being only for men. Now, I believe that girls can do anything.” For Mashacil, the change wasn’t just physical. She describes how her confidence soared after joining the sessions at Ubah Centre. One session in particular, “Building Resilience and Self-Esteem through Sports and Personal Development,” was life-changing for her. “I’m an introvert at home and everywhere else, except at Ubah Centre. It’s where I feel free, where I open up and want to interact with others.” Through the support of the Ubah Centre team, Mashacil felt the strength to dream bigger. “I want to be a good football player in the future, and Ubah has given me that vision. It’s where I come to forget the problems of life, where I find peace and focus.” Despite the demands of her final year of high school and her exams, Mashacil continues to play football regularly. She explains how sports at Ubah Centre have not only helped her physically but mentally and emotionally as well. “I can’t imagine life without Ubah Centre. Even with exams, I still come to play—it opens my mind and helps me focus better on my education.” Mashacil’s story is a testament to the transformative power of sports and community. “I would encourage every girl and woman to join and play football. It helps you physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she says with conviction. Thanks to Ubah Inspire Initiative, Mashacil has developed into a confident, empowered young woman with a clear vision for her future. Her journey shows that with the right support, every girl can overcome challenges, break barriers, and thrive.

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.

The Story of Cawo Bare: Finding Strength and Resilience through Ubah Centre Cawo Bare Cise, a 21-year-old nursing graduate from Adna University, joined Ubah Centre in 2020, encouraged by her friend Hadiya. From a young age, Cawo viewed football as a sport that fosters health and strength, and she never accepted the notion that it was only meant for boys or men. However, she struggled to find a place where girls could play freely. That changed when she found Ubah Centre—a place that not only welcomed her but allowed her to thrive. Before Ubah, Cawo often found herself stuck at home, unsure of how to fill her time when she wasn’t in school. Ubah Centre gave her a much-needed space to unwind, release stress, and simply be herself. “The team welcomed me, and I finally felt like I had a place where I could belong,” she shares. At Ubah, she rediscovered her love for football, which she once only played with her brothers, and began to experience the full impact of what it means to be part of a supportive community. Despite the sense of freedom and empowerment she’s found at Ubah, Cawo continues to face challenges at home, where her mother still resists the idea of her playing football. Cawo faces this resistance head-on, determined not to let it stop her from pursuing something she loves. “I’ve learned that staying active is so important, not just for my physical health but also for my mental well-being,” she says. Her resolve is a testament to the strength and resilience she’s built since joining the Centre. Recently, Cawo completed her degree in nursing, a major personal achievement. Yet, football has been just as instrumental in shaping who she is today. “Ubah gave me a space to relax and release stress, and it made me more confident in every aspect of my life,” she explains. Football has not only helped her stay healthy but has also given her a sense of purpose and community, helping her to grow emotionally and mentally. Cawo’s message to other girls is one of encouragement: “I would urge every girl to pursue something they love, whether it’s football or any other form of excellence. Staying active is key to health and happiness, and no one should feel restricted by what others think.” Her story is one of perseverance and strength. Ubah Centre has given her more than just a place to play football—it has provided her with a support system, a sense of belonging, and the confidence to face life’s challenges head-on. Cawo’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right environment, young women can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.