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These women athletes from Afghanistan escaped Taliban rule. Now the players of Houston Shine FC find joy in soccer again
By Sabiha Mahmood at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 2, 2026
· 3 min read
Imagine living in a country where you can play a sport freely—feeling the joy of kicking the ball or the wind as you pass it to your teammate—only to be taken away.That was the reality for many women playing sports when the U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, which resulted in female a...
Key takeaway Before the team was founded in May 2025, Sarah Labowitz, volunteer manager of Houston Shine FC, met the young Afghan women at a Dash game.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
The formation of Houston Shine FC is a testament to the city's diverse and resilient community. As the team prepares to celebrate its first anniversary, it's a reminder that Houston's reputation as a welcoming city for refugees and immigrants is being put into practice. The fact that these Afghan women athletes have found a new sense of purpose and joy in playing soccer again is a credit to the efforts of community leaders like Sarah Labowitz and the support of local organizations. The team's growth to include players from other countries also reflects the city's international character, with people from different backgrounds coming together to achieve a common goal. As Houston Shine FC looks to the future, it will be interesting to see how the team continues to make an impact in the community, both on and off the field, and how it contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Imagine living in a country where you can play a sport freely—feeling the joy of kicking the ball or the wind as you pass it to your teammate—only to be taken away.That was the reality for many women playing sports when the U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, which resulted in female a...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sabiha Mahmood at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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