Al-Andalus Club has served as a hub for young athletes residing in the eastern region of Libya for six decades. According to Mr. Saleh Amawad, the Mayor of Emsaed Municipality, this stadium was built by the community around 15 years ago as a self-help initiative.

“For 60 years, players had to practice sports in the city of Tobruk, 150 kilometres away.” Mr. Saleh says. 
One of the coaches, Ahmed Al-Senfaz adds: “Thankfully, the stadium is now fully rehabilitated, allowing us to play on our home turf once again. It marks a significant milestone, as we can now play in our city without having to travel elsewhere.”

An outlet for the next generation

Among young people in Libya, playing football in the streets is a common practice, which can be hazardous and dangerous due to traffic, as they struggle to access safe football fields. 
Mansour Abdelkarem, a young player for the Junior Al-Andalus Club says:
“We did not have an proper field to play in. We used to practice sports in the street and makeshift courts. But now we play here.”

The Club Commemorates the Loss of Derna Members

The recent flooding catastrophe has not spared Al-Andalus Club, as they have lost two of their members from the city of Derna, which suffered immense loss of life and destruction in the wake of the Storm Daniel tragedy.
UNDP is committed to supporting the recovery and rebuilding of Derna and affected areas in the eastern region and is working closely with local authorities to support the recovery and rehabilitation efforts in Derna and other affected areas.