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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 Pearland
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 clear that their impact extends beyond the soccer field. The fact that these Afghan women, who were once denied the freedom to play sports, can now find joy in soccer again in Houston is a powerful statement about the city's welcoming nature. The team's growth, with players from countries like Mexico, France, and Venezuela, also reflects the international character of Pearland and the broader Houston area. As the team continues to thrive, it will be interesting to see how they engage with local schools and community groups, potentially inspiring young girls in Pearland to take up the sport. With the Houston Women's Soccer Association celebrating its 50th anniversary, Houston Shine FC is poised to become an integral part of the city's soccer landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sabiha Mahmood at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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