Afghan Refugees Build Resilience on Soccer Pitch with Houston Shine FC

Afghan refugees are finding a new sense of community and strength through soccer in Houston, Texas. Working in various jobs by day, including roles in healthcare and food service, they transform into dedicated athletes on the field as part of the Houston Shine FC. These women, including Sodaba Khinjani and Rabia Yaqobi, fled Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal in 2021 and the subsequent rise of the Taliban, which made participation in women’s sports illegal.

Khinjani, who was once a hopeful member of the Afghan women’s national team, recalls the danger of practicing in secret. “Everybody that was in sport was on the kill list of the Taliban,” Khinjani explained. This traumatic history is compounded by personal loss; she lost her brother to Taliban violence. “They sent his dead body,” she said, reflecting on the profound impact of their regime.

Though FIFA facilitated visas for female athletes to escape, this often meant leaving family members behind. Khinjani has not seen her family in four years. Yaqobi echoed this sentiment, revealing that she frequently sends her earnings back home to support her mother. “Sometimes I’m not eating, save money, send it to my mom because my mom needs it,” she shared.

The coach of Houston Shine FC, Rachel Fabre, expressed her admiration for the players’ resilience. “The sheer magnitude, the trauma that they have been through to just get to this point here is massive,” Fabre stated. The soccer field has become a sanctuary where the women can express themselves and reclaim a part of their identities that was stripped away in Afghanistan.

In May 2023, FIFA announced plans to create an Afghanistan women’s refugee team, allowing players to compete in the upcoming 2027 Women’s FIFA World Cup. However, in September, FIFA informed American-based players that they could not attend international training camps meant for vetting potential team members. The organization cited immigration and safety concerns, despite all Shine players holding green cards. FIFA reassured players that it remains committed to providing opportunities for all eligible members of the Afghan Women United initiative.

Khinjani remains steadfast in her determination to advocate for herself and her peers. “I will fight with FIFA. I will fight with Taliban. I will fight about my rights,” she declared, embodying the spirit of perseverance that defines the Houston Shine FC.

As these women navigate the challenges of resettlement and strive for recognition on the global stage, their journey highlights the intersection of sport, identity, and resilience. The soccer pitch is more than just a field; it represents hope and a shared dream for a brighter future.