Al-Raed Saudi Club is a professional sports club based in Buraydah, Al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia. The club is widely known by its nickname, “Pioneer of the Challenge.” Football sits at the heart of its identity, yet the club runs a much broader sports program for the local community.

Clearly, Al-Raed holds a special place in Saudi sports history. The club started in 1374 AH (the mid-1950s) under the name Al-Ahli, founded by a group of young men from Buraydah. It became the first sports club in the Al-Qassim region and one of the earliest clubs in the entire Kingdom.

Club History

The early founders included Abdulaziz Al-Aboudi, Ali Al-Mudayan, Abdulaziz Al-Ammar, Mohammed Al-Fozan, Yusuf Al-Ammar, and Ghanim Al-Ghanim. In 1382 AH, the club registered officially after a Ministry of Education decision to document sports clubs across the country. Later, in 1388 AH, it adopted its current name: Al-Raed Saudi Club.

Moreover, the club built its reputation through football. Al-Raed has competed in Saudi Arabia’s top tier since 1406 AH, the competition now known as the Saudi Pro League (the Roshn Saudi League / Mohammed bin Salman Pro League).

Major Achievements

Best top-flight finish: fifth place in select seasons
Saudi First Division League champions twice, in 1992 and 2008
Saudi Second Division League winners in 2006
Prince Faisal bin Fahd Cup winners (First and Second Division clubs) in 2006

Football and Player Development

The first team draws much of its talent from the club’s own youth age groups. In addition, Al-Raed brings in a small, focused number of foreign players each season. This approach keeps local development at the center while adding international experience to the squad.

Notably, the club also operates a dedicated academy. The academy trains young players and supports the pathway from grassroots football into the senior team.

Other Sports at the Club

Al-Raed is far more than a football club. It fields teams and programs across several disciplines, which gives families in Al-Qassim a wide range of options.

Established sports include:

Boxing
Handball
Karate
E-sports (electronic games)

In 2019, following the General Authority of Sports’ push to grow sports nationwide, the club launched six new disciplines:

Cycling
Taekwondo
Volleyball
Swimming
Table tennis
Endurance and stamina sports

Strategy and Vision

Al-Raed runs on a clear long-term plan. The club published a strategic plan covering 2023 to 2028, along with an annual report for the 2024-2025 season. Together, these documents outline the club’s vision, mission, and goals for the years ahead.

Fan Services and Online Store

Supporters can engage with the club in several practical ways. For instance, the official online store sells team kits, accessories, and fan merchandise. Beyond that, a club mobile app keeps fans close to news, fixtures, and updates.

Match tickets are sold through approved platforms for home games at the club’s stadium in Buraydah. Fans can also share feedback through club surveys and a dedicated complaints channel.