Residents of Dawasir village play football on a dirt field lacking proper infrastructure.
Basra
Al-Faw village calls for sports facilities after years of playing on unsafe dirt field
BASRA — Residents of Dawasir village in the Al-Bahhar subdistrict of Al-Faw, southern Basra, are urging local authorities to build recreational facilities after years of playing soccer on a dirt field that frequently causes injuries.
The village, which lacks public parks, cafes, proper sports courts, or a standard soccer pitch, is home to more than eight local teams. Community members say the absence of basic infrastructure has left young people with no safe or suitable place for recreation.
“We play on bare ground,” said Ali Mohammed, a local player. “If someone falls, they get injured. Sports are our only outlet here—there are no cafes, parks, or markets.”
Sadiq Jaafar, another player, added, “We ask the local government in Al-Faw to build a field because our current one is unplayable during rain.”
Haidar Basim, also a player, voiced frustration over the lack of development. “Dawasir is forgotten. And we ask… who does this village belong to? Are we part of Iran or what? This has been our place for years, and generations have grown up on this dirt field. What we hope for is the construction of a field in Dawasir village.”
Ali Nouri, director of youth and sports in Al-Faw, said the Basra Youth and Sports Directorate declined funding for new fields in the area due to budget constraints.
