Doncaster College Students Selected for FIFA’s First-Ever Afghanistan Women’s Refugee Football Team

Five Doncaster College students have made history after being selected to represent Afghanistan in the first-ever Women’s Refugee Football Team, a landmark initiative backed by FIFA.

After four years of fighting for their right to play for their country since fleeing Afghanistan, the players’ perseverance has finally paid off. Following three intensive, multi-day talent identification camps held across two continents, Najma, Sosan, Elaha, Sevin (Sonia), and Zainab were chosen to join the squad. This milestone represents a huge step forward for women’s rights and women’s football.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the initiative, stating:

“This initiative underlines the power of our sport to bring hope, opportunity, and unity. We are proud to provide these courageous women with the platform to compete internationally once again.”

Student Voices: From Refugees to Role Models

Reflecting on the project, Najma said:

“We have learned so many things here, not just on the pitch. Being in England’s home and being surrounded by so many professional coaches and staff has been a privilege for us. It’s been such a great experience, and we’re looking forward to seeing this pilot project grow and to working on a bigger project with FIFA.”

Goalkeeper Elaha added:

“We’ve worked hard for this moment and it’s hard to put into words how special it feels. This opportunity is a strong step forward that shows the world Afghan women are capable of achieving amazing things.”

Doncaster College Pride and Support

Heather White, Lecturer at Doncaster College, praised the students’ achievement:

“This is ground breaking and an amazing achievement. These young women will be fundamental in promoting women’s rights and women’s football. I am immensely proud to have taught some of them, as I know my colleagues and the wider student body are too.”

The Afghanistan Women’s Refugee Team is set to compete this month in a series of FIFA friendly matches against Chad, Libya, and the United Arab Emirates.

Doncaster College extends its warmest congratulations to the five students taking part in this project. The College community will be proudly cheering them on as they step onto the international stage to play the game they love.