Scotland's Nayma Sheikh and Maryam Faisal have both been selected to join the inaugural SACA Women's pilot programme, run in collaboration with Take Her Lead, throughout the 2026 season.

The squad will begin training immediately and will benefit from a fully funded programme, with one-to-one coaching sessions being held across the country with SACA’s team of existing elite coaches, a number of all-squad dedicated training camps over the coming months, and specialist support and mentoring provided by Take Her Lead’s advisory panel of experts in the Women’s game in areas such as Strength and Conditioning, nutrition and psychology.

SACA is currently liaising with a number of first-class counties to arrange a fixture list for the 2026 campaign, which will see the SACA Women’s squad able to put their skills to the test against some established Women’s sides in a competitive playing environment – mirroring the showcase opportunities the SACA men’s squad benefit from.

Speaking of the Women’s squad intake for 2026, Tom Brown, Founder and Managing Director of SACA, commented:

“We are thrilled to have collated such a talented squad for our pilot Women’s programme in 2026 and are excited about what this group of players can achieve.

“Selecting a final fifteen from the high volume of top-quality players who applied to join us was a challenge in itself, but the group we have selected have all the qualities we need to give us every confidence that we can make a huge success of the programme.

“We’ve got a good mix of age and experience within the group, some with many years spent in the county Women’s game and some with experience of representing their respective national sides, and we’ll be looking for those players to share that experience with the younger players in the group who can learn a huge amount from them as they gel as a unit. Irrespective of the levels of experience they have, one thing is abundantly clear at this stage, and that’s the simple fact that every one of the players in this squad is hugely talented and has the potential to progress in the game.

“With training starting immediately, the coaching group are really excited to start working with the squad and to what lies ahead over what will no doubt be an exciting first year for the SACA Women’s squad.

“We wish each of the group every success over the coming season and are looking forward to seeing their progression as we move forwards.”

Isa Guha, Founder and Chair of Take Her Lead, commented:

“There are many factors that may have limited the progression of these women to the highest levels of the game. From my own experience, I understand some of the barriers South Asian girls can face - whether within the talent pathway itself or from expectations within families and communities.

“Through this pilot programme, our aim is not only to elevate performance and showcase the incredible talent within this group, but also to better understand their lived experiences and the challenges they encounter. By doing so, we can provide meaningful, tailored support - from psychological services to personal development - ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive.

“The THL Advisory Group is looking forward to attending the training camps to deliver holistic support, including nutritional guidance tailored to South Asian diets, as well as expertise in female-focused psychology, coaching, and strength and conditioning. Advisors including myself, Sonia Odedra and Abtaha Maqsood will also share our insights and experiences as South Asian players to help guide and inspire the next generation.

“I’m incredibly excited to see how far these women can go with the backing of SACA and the THL Advisors in the months ahead.”

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