Holbeck Moor FC Women recently travelled to Doncaster to participate in a tournament hosted by Girl Power.
Girl Power is an organisation that works across Europe, the UK and the Middle East, to use sport and education as tools to empower, connect and unify women and girls from all cultures and social backgrounds
Khalida Popal, former captain of the Afghan National team and founder of Girl Power, explained that:
“The tournament is a culmination of a leadership course we have been running with a group of Afghan women footballers who were forced to flee to the UK when the Taliban seized power in 2021”.
Many of the players had experienced death threats in their home country and had been prevented from taking part in the sport they love.
“Meeting this inspiring group of women made us feel so grateful for the opportunities we have. Football can serve as a way to bring groups together to share experiences and offer support and solidarity. It’s about having fun and forgetting our problems,” said Holbeck Moor player Ruth Tucknott.
Holbeck Moor entered a joint team with fellow Leeds club Republica Internationale. Other teams who played in the 11-a-side tournament were a team from Football Unites Racism Divides in Sheffield and Route One Rovers FC from Bradford, who went on to win the tournament.
Back in March 2023, Holbeck Moor Women became the first ever Women’s Football Club of Sanctuary in the UK. Club Ambassador Wan Abdullah was quick to make connections between the two groups, explaining that:
“Both teams have very similar values, recognising the social value of football in bringing communities together. The benefits that football brings are so much greater than the final result of a game”.
This post was written by Holbeck Moor FC team coach Claire Blue
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