September 23 – Afghanistan has been a troubled and war-torn country for decades; however, the football-loving women of the country have found some tranquility at St. George’s Park, normally the training ground of England’s national teams.
At the end of August, the Burton upon Trent facility hosted a series of FIFA-organised camps to select 23 players for the newly formed Afghan women’s refugee team. Those chosen will represent Afghanistan in a slate of sanctioned friendlies before the year’s end, marking their return to the international stage after an absence of four years.
“It’s incredible to see the girls here, gathered together – to witness the camaraderie that they have between each other, and to do it all around football,” said Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer.
The refugee team is part of FIFA’s three-pillar Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football. The first two pillars focus on humanitarian support and advocacy for women still in Afghanistan.
The third pillar, realised here, provides a competitive home for eligible refugees with prior playing experience. More than 70 players attended three camps this year, supported with training, medical, and mental health services, whether or not they make the final squad.
Former Afghan international and women’s rights activist Khalida Popal has been central in guiding the project, while Scotland international Pauline Hamill was appointed head coach. Hamill led a camp in Sydney before overseeing two more in England, supported by staff dedicated to player safety and wellbeing.
For the women involved, the experience offered both sanctuary and belonging. “The feeling of being free, the feeling of sisterhood, the feeling of joy – forgetting everything behind and just being in the present,” said player Najma Arefi. “That’s why I kept playing.”
Bareman added: “Understanding the individual journeys that some of these players have been on, it’s incredible to see them here, smiling, laughing, enjoying, in a safe environment.”
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at [email protected]