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SoccerSpace USA is raising funds to help the Afghan National Girls Football (Soccer) Team and their families |
The Cause
SoccerSpace USA is raising funds to help the Afghan National Girls Football (Soccer) Team and their families. The girls and families were evacuated from Afghanistan to Portugal in the Fall of 2021 thanks to the extraordinary work of the Afghan National Women's Team captain, Farkhunda Muhtaj, as reported by NPR and the BBC and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
The Situation
Farkhunda Muhtaj and Wida Zemarai – former goalkeeper of the Afghanistan Women’s National Team – are currently coaching the team. Due to Taliban regulations Afghan women have been banned to participate in sport and represent their national team. Therefore, the team operates under the name “Ayenda FC”, Ayenda means future in Farsi. Some team members recently travelled to Gothenburg, Sweden to compete in the Gothia Youth World Cup. This was the first time in history that an Afghan team competed at the tournament.
The team currently resides in cities throughout Portugal and Germany. They are learning Portuguese and German, attending school, and competing on their local football club teams alongside Ayenda FC. Despite their continuous efforts, resettlement has been extremely difficult for the families while adjusting to life in a foreign country.
The Goal
The team needs financial support while they seek to rebuild sustainable lives in their new homes. Internships, job opportunities, school supplies, and housing support are some of many ways that the families can be supported.
Ayenda FC also needs your help to continue their mission of playing football and representing Afghanistan globally. The players and their families are determined to achieve their dreams. You can support by helping fund their training sessions and/or travel.
Fundraising
Soccer fans, supporters of girls empowerment, humanitarians everywhere, please join us! And thank you. You may donate (1) through our donation page; (2) through our GoFundMe page or (3) by sending a check directly to: SoccerSpace USA, P.O. Box 1761, Beverly Hills, CA 90213.
Please contact Michael Karlin, Vice President, Special Projects, at mjkarlin@soccerspace.org if you need wire transfer instructions or ACH information.
SoccerSpace USA is a registered nonprofit (EIN: 954787754). Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
Film
The documentary ‘We are Ayenda’ by WhatsApp in partnership with Anonymous Content tells the story of how the Afghan Youth Team was evacuated to Portugal. The film spotlights the bravery and resilience of the young women as they seek to rebuild their lives. The documentary can be watched on Amazon Prime.
Please contact Michael Karlin at mjkarlin@soccerspace.org for any further information.