At inDrive, we believe that every person deserves a fair chance to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender, age, or geography. Through our Supernovas non-profit initiative, we provide children in underserved areas with access to sports and personal development. Today, we travel to Egypt to share the story of Retal, a 13-year-old girl who proves that the only person who should decide her path is herself.
In the small town of Kafr El-Zayat, Egypt, 13-year-old Retal is used to hearing the word "no." For years, people in her community told her that football was a sport for boys and that she should stick to more traditional hobbies. But when Retal steps onto the pitch, those voices fade away, replaced by the sound of the ball and the guidance of her coach.
Retal’s journey hasn’t been easy. Two years ago, when she first told her friends she was joining a football team, she was met with laughter and disbelief. Retal felt the weight of those expectations; on her first day of practice, her natural shyness almost got the better of her. Standing in front of a group of boys, she feared she would be pointed at and mocked.
However, Coach Raed—the leader of the Supernovas program in her area—saw her potential. To him, it didn’t matter that she was a girl; just that she could play defense. Under his mentorship, Retal has flourished. Coach Raed often compares her playing style to the legendary Van Dijk, joking that even Messi would have a hard time dribbling past her fierce defense.
For Retal, the challenge isn't just on the field. Without a family car, getting to the stadium—which is far from her home—could be a major barrier. But she is never late. She describes the ride to the field as a "rush," a quiet moment of freedom when she can escape the noise of everyone telling her what a girl "should" do. For her, the journey is just as important as the game.
Today, not only does Retal play; she is the team captain. When new boys join the group and see her wearing the captain’s armband, they are often surprised. Retal enjoys that moment—it’s her way of changing minds without saying a single word.
Her dreams go far beyond the borders of her town. Retal hopes to play professional football in Europe one day, and also to become a doctor. She wants to be able to heal her teammates and get them back on their feet if they ever get injured.
When her team recently lost a final by a single goal, Retal remained undeterred. For her, the real win wasn't the trophy, but the fun they had and the community they built together. Through Retal’s bravery and the support of the Supernovas program, she has claimed her right to a fair choice. Every time she heads to the field, she’s not just playing a game—she is being exactly who she wants to be.
