View from the highest point of Bethlehem over the historic town. Bethlehem is part of the Palestinian Autonomous Territories and borders on Jerusalem in the north. Bethlehem is highly dependent on tourism, with the Church of Nativity, built at the presumed birthplace of Jesus Christ, as its main attraction. Meinrad Schade

Players of the confessionally mixed football team Diyar Bethlehem entering the court under the flag of Palestine for a championship match in the highest Palestinian women's league in the Khader stadium on the outskirts of Bethlehem. Meinrad Schade

Taxi drivers waiting for customers at the border wall and checkpoint 300. During the early morning hours Palestinians in possession of a work permit for Israel are queuing up here. Meinrad Schade

Marian Bendak, a player for Diyar Bethlehem and the Palestinian National Women’s Football Team is putting up her hair while getting ready for practice in the locker room of the Khader stadium. Meinrad Schade

Nivin al-Kolyab, the striker of Diyar Bethlehem and the Palestinian National Women's Football Team exercises in the locker room of the Khader stadium. Meinrad Schade

Diyar Bethlehem during a championship match against their rival Esawiyeh (left). Nivin al-Kolyab (right), a striker of Diyar Bethlehem and the Palestinian National Team in her bedroom, which she shares with her sister Nadin, the team's goal keeper. The wall decorated with medals they both won with their team. Meinrad Schade

Diyar Bethlehem team members leaving their club bus in the pouring rain. They are getting ready for a training session in the Khader stadium on the outskirts of town. Meinrad Schade

Nivin al-Kolyab on her way to the local bus stop. Meinrad Schade

Sarab al-Shaer with her foster mother (left). She was raised in a village for orphans near Bethlehem. Sarab is a Muslim and defender for Diyar Bethlehem and the Palestinian National Team. Nivin al-Kolyab kicking a corner during a training session (right). Meinrad Schade

Players of the confessionally mixed football team Diyar Bethlehem cheering shortly before the kick-off for a championship match in the Khader stadium outside Bethlehem. Meinrad Schade

The coach of the Palestinian National Women's Football Team praying before before training session (left) and Jackline Jazrawi, Christian captain of Diyar Bethlehem and the Palestinian National Team (right). Meinrad Schade

Players of the Palestinian National Women's Football Team listening to their coach giving instructions during a training session. Meinrad Schade

Some members of the Palestinian National Women's Football Team after a training match. Meinrad Schade

Players of Diyar Bethlehem during an evening training session (left), and Nivin and Nadin al-Kolyab, one of the strikers and the goal keeper of their team. Although both are Muslim, only Nivin is wearing the headscarf. Meinrad Schade

Marian Bendak (second from the left) of Diyar Bethlehem and the Palestinian National Team cheers after the junior team she coaches scored a goal. Meinrad Schade

The first football match in the Palestinian Women’s League took place in Ramallah on February 10, 2011: Diyar Bethlehem versus Seryiet Ramallah. Swiss photographer Meinrad Schade followed the team on and off the pitch a year later.

This content was published on April 20, 2013 - 11:00

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The team of Diyar Bethlehem comprises Christians and Muslims. While Christians are a small minority in the West Bank, their percentage in Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus, is 35-40 per cent, although their number is decreasing. Despite tensions between Christians and Muslims in general, this does not seem to be the case for the female football players of Diyar Bethlehem.



Only one of the team wears a headscarf and long tights when playing. Her younger sister, on the other hand – who is the goalkeeper – does not cover her hair.



Five players of Diyar Bethlehem are also members of the Palestinian National Team. For these young women, football is also an opportunity to escape the feeling of being locked inside the West Bank. Occasionally the Palestinian National Team and Diyar Bethlehem play in tournaments and exhibition games abroad.



(All images © 2012 Meinrad Schade)

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