Football Has Changed My Life
Saleha Kashfi, Austria
Kicken ohne Grenzen enables young people from disadvantaged communities to take part in regular, free football training that has no performance-based admission criteria. The project trains soft skills and subsequently provides educational opportunities for refugees that facilitate entry into the school system or working life. Saleha plays for “Team Birkenwiese”, a team for refugee girls that plays once a week and takes part in regular friendly matches and tournaments.
Can you tell us your personal story?
My name is Saleha Kashfi and I’m 17 years old. I come from Afghanistan. I wanted to play football before I came to Austria, but I didn’t have a chance to play for security reasons and because men and women don’t have equal rights in my home country.
Why is football so important for you and your community?
I don’t know about my friends, but football is very important for me. When I play football, I forget about my problems. I think about winning and fun and feel no pain or troubles. This is very important for me.
What ambitions do you have for the future?
I know that football has changed my life. Later I would like to study - I would like to get a further education and keep playing football.
