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Women's football makes gains in Middle East despite hurdles
Players of the Orthodox Club's women's team practice in Amman, Jordan, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022.

SARAH ASIMRIN still hears it from her uncles sometimes: “You’re a girl, it’s not right.” But on a recent evening, the 13-year-old Jordanian was on her club’s football pitch practising alongside other girls and boys.

“I fell in love with the game because it’s got action. I love it a lot, more than any other sport,” said Asimrin.

Her younger sister Aya plays football as well and, despite the reservations of a few uncles, their family supports them. In fact, their father is a football coach at a private academy in the Jordanian capital, Amman.

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