Former Scotland international and coach Pauline Hamill has been named as the inaugural head coach of the newly established Afghan women’s refugee football team.
- This project follows FIFA’s approval of its Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football in May, aimed at creating opportunities for Afghan female players in exile and promoting their inclusion in the international game.
- FIFA starts one year pilot programme focused mostly on wellbeing. The team will be assembled through three talent identification camps, funded and run by FIFA, offering physical preparation, nutrition, psychological support, and safeguarding as part of player´s development.
More than normal job
- With 141 caps for Scotland and extensive youth coaching experience, Hamill described the job as more than “a normal coaching job,” saying it will have a long-lasting impact by helping displaced players regain football dreams.
- Since the Taliban’s 2021 ban, Afghanistan’s national women’s teams have been barred from competition. FIFA’s move offers an avenue for refugee players to compete internationally, though without official recognition or ranking from the Afghan Football Federation.
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