This week's podcast guest is Abdulaziz Al-Gosaibi, known as Aziz, General Manager of the Al-Ittihad Women's First Team. His football journey began nearly a decade ago, when he joined Jeddah Eagles as an assistant coach. Since then, he has helped develop Al-Ittihad's women's programme, including its first team and academy, through a period of rapid growth in Saudi women's football.

In this conversation, Aziz discusses the realities of building a women's football programme, the lessons he learned from early mentors, and how trust, adaptability, and a shared sense of purpose help a team grow.

During the podcast, we discuss:

• From industrial engineering to football management – How Aziz's education shaped his approach to processes, time management, and improving the player experience
• The early days of women's football in Saudi Arabia – His experience coaching Jeddah Eagles and witnessing the game's development
• The details behind a team's preparation – How planning travel, facilities, and match information helps players feel prepared and focused
• Learning through mistakes and adapting – Why there is no single playbook for football management, and how experience builds good judgment
• A service-minded approach to leadership – How listening to players and staff helps create an environment where they can thrive
• Ubuntu and growing together – How a collective mindset can strengthen a team on and off the pitch
• Sustaining a career in sport – Why patience, belief in the women's game, and finding a healthy work-life balance matter for the long run and much more!

How To Connect With Aziz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/algosaibi_aziz/

Al-Ittihad Women's Team on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ittihadladiesclub/

Al-Ittihad Women's Team on X: https://x.com/ittiladiesclub