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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 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 2, 2026
· 2 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 in Afghanistan when the U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, which resul...
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 Magnolia News
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 worth noting that their story intersects with the broader narrative of refugee resettlement in the Houston area. Montgomery County, where Magnolia is located, has seen its own share of refugee families relocating to the region, and the story of these Afghan women athletes finding a new home in Houston highlights the importance of community support and resources for newcomers. The team's growth, with players from countries like Mexico, France, and Venezuela, also reflects the international character of the Houston area, where people from different backgrounds come together to build new lives and pursue their passions. As Houston Shine FC looks to the future, their journey will likely be watched with interest by local residents, who will be rooting for the team's success both on and off the field.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News 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 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 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 in Afghanistan when the U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, which resul...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sabiha Mahmood at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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