Ashleigh Plumptre: 'I deeply hurt people by moving to Saudi Arabia'

The article discusses the Saudi Women's Premier League (SWPL), which is the top division of women's football in Saudi Arabia. The league has gained attention for its high-profile players, including Ellen White and Jen Beattie, who are part of the England national team. However, the league still faces challenges, such as low attendances and a lack of community initiatives to promote the game among children and families.

The article also mentions that Saudi Arabia is planning to host the Women's World Cup in the future, but the timeline for this event is not yet confirmed. The country has already hosted several major international football events, including the 2007 AFC Asian Cup and the 2019 Arab Nations Cup.

One of the players interviewed in the article is Ben Haines, who plays for Al-Ula FC in the SWPL. He discusses the challenges faced by women's football in Saudi Arabia, including the lack of support from the government and the need for more investment in grassroots programs.

The article also highlights the efforts of the Women's Football Weekly podcast, which features interviews with players and coaches from the WSL and beyond. The podcast is available on BBC Sounds and offers additional content to listeners.

Overall, the article provides a balanced view of the SWPL, highlighting both its achievements and challenges. It also emphasizes the importance of investing in grassroots programs and promoting women's football at all levels to ensure its long-term success.

Some key points from the article include:

* The Saudi Women's Premier League (SWPL) is the top division of women's football in Saudi Arabia.
* The league has gained attention for its high-profile players, including Ellen White and Jen Beattie.
* The league still faces challenges, such as low attendances and a lack of community initiatives to promote the game among children and families.
* Saudi Arabia is planning to host the Women's World Cup in the future, but the timeline for this event is not yet confirmed.
* Women's football in Saudi Arabia requires more investment in grassroots programs and support from the government.
* The Women's Football Weekly podcast offers additional content to listeners and features interviews with players and coaches from the WSL and beyond.

I'm not sure if hosting the Women's World Cup is such a big deal, feels like a lot of hype . I mean, have they even played a decent match in Saudi Arabia? Low attendances at their own league matches? That's kinda awkward . And what about those high-profile players? Are they really just there to bring attention or is it more than that? Ellen White and Jen Beattie are talented, don't get me wrong, but I'm not convinced Saudi Arabia is the right place for them to shine .

Yaaas, finally some love for women's football in Saudi Arabia! I mean, can you even believe Ellen White and Jen Beattie are on the league? It's about time we saw more female talent taking the pitch. And I'm super hyped that they're talking about investing in grassroots programs - it's all about leveling up the game, you feel me?

I do agree with Ben Haines tho, government support is key for women's football to grow. We need more initiatives to get kids and families involved, like community centers and schools hosting tournaments or even just basic training sessions. That'd be lit! It's not just about having a league that's fire, it's about making the game sustainable long-term.

And omg, have you listened to The Women's Football Weekly podcast? I'm obsessed with their interviews and insights from players and coaches across the world. They're breaking barriers and giving us more than just the usual football news - they're sharing stories, experiences, and advice that'll make you a better fan or even a player!

I'm so over these low attendance numbers at the SWPL , it's like people don't even care about women's football in Saudi Arabia. And can we talk about the lack of community initiatives? I mean, I get that grassroots programs take time to develop but come on, 50 years is a looong time to be getting things off the ground . The Women's World Cup hosting bid is exciting though , let's hope they can pull it off without any major hiccups. And Ben Haines' comments about government support are so relatable...it's like, come on Saudi Arabia, get with the times!

I'm thinking, you know, it's kinda sad that even though there are talented women like Ellen White and Jen Beattie playing in the SWPL, the league still struggles with low attendances... I mean, think about it, if you're passionate about something, you gotta show up to support each other, right? It's all about community. And I feel like that's what Ben Haines is saying, we need more grassroots programs and support from the government to make women's football a real part of Saudi society.

I'm loving how passionate people are about women's football in Saudi Arabia , but it's kinda weird that they still need to rely on international superstars like Ellen White & Jen Beattie to draw crowds . Can't we see more Saudi ladies taking center stage? And what's up with the government not supporting grassroots programs? Investment in youth football would make a massive difference, don't you think? Maybe they should take a page out of China's book and create their own Women's League from scratch instead of relying on imports? Let's hope Saudi Arabia can get its women's football game on track soon!

I'm loving the progress Saudi Arabia is making for women's football, but it feels like they're taking two steps forward and one step back at times . I mean, on one hand, getting Ellen White and Jen Beattie to join the league is a huge win for the sport. But on the other hand, the low attendances are really worrying - I've seen some of these games with empty seats, which just doesn't bode well for the future of the league .

And can we talk about the grassroots programs? I think they need to step it up a notch if they want to increase participation and excitement among kids and families. I mean, we're not even close to seeing the kind of growth that other countries like England or France are experiencing with their women's football programs .

But overall, it's great to see Saudi Arabia taking a serious interest in developing its women's football program. Hosting the Women's World Cup would be a huge milestone for the country and for the sport as a whole . Just need to get those grassroots programs firing on all cylinders first

I'm low-key surprised they're bringing the Women's World Cup to Saudi Arabia ... I mean, it's a huge step for women's football in the region, but can we talk about the logistics for a sec? The article mentions that the timeline is not confirmed, which makes me skeptical. We've seen major events get postponed or cancelled before, you know?

And yeah, the lack of community initiatives and low attendances are real problems that need to be addressed . I love how Ben Haines spoke out about the need for more investment in grassroots programs - it's time for some serious change! But, I gotta ask... what's up with the government not being more supportive? Can't they see the benefits of investing in women's football?

Anyway, props to the Women's Football Weekly podcast for doing their thing . It's cool that they're bringing more voices and perspectives to the conversation. Maybe we'll get some serious progress on those grassroots programs soon... a girl can dream

I mean, it's great that Saudi Arabia is trying to boost their women's football scene, but low attendances? That's a bit surprising given all the hype around Ellen White and Jen Beattie . I guess you can't blame them for wanting to host the Women's World Cup, though - it would be a huge deal for the country to have such a major international event . But seriously, more investment in grassroots programs is needed if women's football is going to take off here . Maybe they should start by getting more people to show up at games ?

I'm like totally confused about these SWPL games in Saudi Arabia ... I mean, it's cool that they have Ellen White and Jen Beattie playing, but low attendances is a big deal? shouldn't there be more people watching? And isn't the Women's World Cup gonna happen soon? I'm like, super hyped for that event! But seriously though, investing in grassroots programs is key, right? we need to get more girls and women into football so it can grow and become even more awesome!

I think its dope that Saudi Arabia is trying to level up their women's football scene . Having Ellen White and Jen Beattie on board is a huge win, but I feel like we need to see more investment in grassroots programs so we can grow the game organically . I mean, low attendances are a major issue, and community initiatives would be super helpful in getting more women and families involved . We should also keep an eye on those plans for hosting the Women's World Cup - it'd be amazing to see Saudi Arabia shine on the global stage ! But for now, I'm loving that podcast on BBC Sounds, Ben Haines is speaking truth ! #WomenEmpowerment #SaudiArabiaRising #GrassrootsMatters

The SWPL's attendance issues are really concerning . I mean, it's great that top players like Ellen White and Jen Beattie are involved, but if no one shows up to watch them play, what's the point? They need more community initiatives, like family days or kids' clinics, to get people excited about women's football. It's not just about the professional league, it's about building a culture that supports the game at all levels. And hosting the Women's World Cup is a big deal, but if they can't even support their own domestic league, how are they gonna pull off an international tournament?

I think it's awesome that women's football is getting some serious attention in Saudi Arabia, especially with Ellen White and Jen Beattie on board . But you know what would take it to the next level? Investing in community programs and grassroots initiatives for kids and families . It's all about creating a love for the game from a young age, right? And I'm excited to hear that there are podcasts like Women's Football Weekly doing their part to promote the sport and share inspiring stories . Hosting the Women's World Cup in Saudi Arabia is definitely a big goal, but let's not forget about the smaller steps we need to take to make women's football sustainable and inclusive . Maybe it's time for the government to step up its support and show that they're serious about investing in this amazing sport?

I'm so done with the SWPL . I mean, it's a great league and all, but can't they do something about those ridiculous ticket prices? £10 to watch a game? Come on! And don't even get me started on the lack of community initiatives. It feels like they're just phoning it in at this point. They need to step up their game if they want to attract more fans and grow the sport. And what's with all these big-name players showing up? Ellen White and Jen Beattie are awesome and all, but they can't carry the league on their own. It needs a solid foundation of local talent and grassroots support.

i think saudi arabia's push for women's football is a step in the right direction, but we gotta be real - they still got a long way to go . low attendances and lack of community initiatives are huge red flags. it's not just about throwing money at the problem, though. they need to invest in grassroots programs that promote the game among kids and families. that's where the future fans will come from, you feel?

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole women's football thing, reminds me of when the England national team used to play at Wembley back in the 90s... you know, before all the stadium changes . But seriously, it's cool that Saudi Arabia is getting involved with the Women's World Cup. I hope they can get some more fans to show up to their games like they do for the men's teams, you know, like how we used to have a real atmosphere at the pub when England played . Anyway, I think it's great that there are podcasts like Women's Football Weekly out there, it's like the football equivalent of Radio 1 back in the day... before they changed the format .

omg u guyz, i think its so cool that saudi arabia is tryna host the womens world cup lol idk if its gonna happen tho. but seriously, its awesome 2 c more women getting involved in football & stuff ‍️ ben haines makes such valid points about grassroots programs tho. low attendances r a major issue rn. plus, i love how theres this podcast called womens football weekly that's all about the game anywayz, idk if saudi arabia is ready 4 the big stage but id still root 4 them

I don't know, maybe hosting the Women's World Cup is a good idea, I mean it'll bring tons of attention to women's football in Saudi Arabia, but at the same time, are they really ready for that level of competition? They still need to figure out how to get more people to watch their league, and investing in grassroots programs seems like a no-brainer, but is it just an excuse for the government to not put in enough funding? I think the podcast is cool, though - Ben Haines sounds like a great guy, but some of these players are pretty young, how's that going to prepare them for the World Cup?

I feel bad for the women's teams in SWPL, they're playing in front of so few people . I get it, Saudi Arabia is a big country but 5 people at a match? That's crazy! They need to do more to promote the game and make it fun for families. My kids love watching football matches with me and they would totally be into SWPL if there were more people cheering them on . And can we talk about how awesome Ellen White is? She's like a legend on the pitch . But seriously, investing in grassroots programs and supporting the teams would make such a big difference .

[Image of a sad football with a referee in the background, giving a red card]

[Image of Ellen White and Jen Beattie playing together, with a caption "High-profile players are nice, but what about the rest?"]

[Image of a graph showing a decline in attendances at SWPL matches, with a red line indicating a drop]

[A GIF of Ben Haines speaking into a microphone, with a speech bubble saying "Invest more in grassroots programs"]

[Image of a podcast logo with a caption "The Women's Football Weekly podcast: where the players are on fire "]

[Image of a football stadium with an empty seat, and another one with a full crowd, side by side]

[A simple illustration of a Saudi Arabian flag with a football in the center, surrounded by words "Investing in women's football is key"]