Muslim Women Kick Goals

By Amna K-Hassan

This article is part of the March theme of rightnow.org.au, Sport and Human Rights. It’s also part of a series of articles looking specifically at the role of women in sport.

IMAGE COURTESY: AMNA K-HASSAN

“Football doesn’t build character, it reveals it.” This was the inscription on the medallion given to every player at the end of our 2012 AFL footy season.

In my faith, there is a legacy of strong women who excelled in their own right. They were scholars such as Aisha bint Abu Bakr, businesswomen such as Khadija (who was also the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and his employer) and warriors, such as Khawla.

These stories are part of a larger collection of women’s narratives that inform my decision-making process. These stories motivate me to also be a woman who leaves a legacy to inspire others.

I believe God has been watching over me as I live out my destiny in every aspect of my life.

The first time I participated in Aussie Rules was for a Harmony Day demo game and it was exhilarating (not to mention we played modified rules with no tackling)!

One of the co-founders of the local men’s team suggested I start up a women’s team and join the club. I had already played a trial game, how different could it be?

In October 2010, I messaged all the females in my phone contacts list. I didn’t let the perception of each friend influence whether I clicked send or not – even though I was thinking no way, Barbie doll, princess, strict parents, too conservative, and the list goes on.

I was amazed at how many women came to training. There was no shortage of interest. We had an average of 40 girls at training twice a week. Lael Kassem (our trainer, coach and the only person who knew the rules) had to go back to basics because the majority of girls had given up on engaging in physical activity. Some of them hadn’t participated in school sporting activities and conveniently menstruated weekly or felt sick. Parents had restricted others, and some came for social reasons with friends.

After a great first year the women’s team returned for what we hoped would be a great experience. Unlike our first year, the second year was turbulent.

…[my critics] could not reconcile the dynamism of Islam that I discovered with their sexist attitudes disguised as concern for their “sister” in faith.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The religion is easy, do not make it difficult,” and yet I struggled with men who challenged me with religious arguments and cultural stigma. It sent me on a consultative journey for answers from religious leaders (Imams), community leaders, my mentors, and my heart.

I sought out English-speaking Imams with an understanding of the Australian context and classical Islamic education. I spoke to Imams from the main schools of thought in Islam.

Engaging the Imams proved to be a thought-provoking process. I went with a straightforward question: “Is it prohibited for Muslim women to engage in outdoor sport, namely Aussie Rules?” I learnt that Islam offers a host of views on this issue. Each Imam provided me with the tools for how they derived the opinion they gave me.

One of these Islamic legal concepts was Maslaha (public interest). If what we do brings benefit to the community and removes the participants from time-wasting behaviour or negative circles of influence, it is better to have this alternative than to have nothing (even if the situation is not ideal).

A significant benefit was creating a platform for women who felt isolated from the mosque and religiously observant community. The team became a means to discover their cultural, spiritual and social identity.

Another consideration was restricting the interaction with men. This is due to the Imams concern with preservation of modesty, dignity and honour. There were also considerations of women from various ethnic communities and the possibility of cultural disgrace associated with casually interacting with men. We play in a women’s league, which removes half of the obstacle. The uncontrolled variables are male spectators; however, in community club sports spectators are minimal.

…the Imams I consulted left their answer open and allowed me to make the decision. They provided me with the guidelines so that I was better positioned to make a conscious choice.

There were also concerns around whether we can wear modest clothing in compliance with Islam. This applied to women who choose to wear the headscarf (hijab) and women who do not.

Another Imam was more concerned with the type of sport we play, as Aussie Rules is a contact sport. Being tackled and contesting for the ball means we may end up in all sorts of positions on the ground and he was concerned about safeguarding the integrity of the participants.

Although there was a diversity of opinions, the Imams I consulted left their answer open and allowed me to make the decision. They provided me with the guidelines so that I was better positioned to make a conscious choice.

Community leaders, friends and mentors were supportive and advised me to ignore armchair critics. When I shared my learning from the Imams, they stated that these guidelines are not restricted to women; rather the same principles apply to men as well.

The diversity of viewpoints encouraged me to think about the moral dilemmas of playing contact sport. I was more concerned with the impact on the state of my heart. Playing a contact sport can be very exhilarating and it arouses a desire to be aggressive (tackle, contest and “hip and bump”) towards the opposition. I questioned whether the internal motivation changed from its original intention and at some point as players we intend to harm another human rather than fairly play the game.

I also realised in my year of difficulty that my tongue manifested the ugliness of the hurt in my heart. Unfortunately, I think this had a wider impact on the participants and I felt we became less concerned with maintaining the highest standard of etiquette and manners. It was in our club culture to have the courage to be patient when another does wrong by one of us. Virtue of the tongue when emotional and sincerity of the heart when hurt are a constant struggle. Playing contact sport is a weekly test of character.

Despite informing my critics of the wisdom of those Imams that I had consulted, they could not reconcile the dynamism of Islam that I discovered with their sexist attitudes disguised as concern for their “sister” in faith.

They narrowly interpreted the religion and relied on bad cultural elements to justify taking away the right of choice to participate. I find this manipulative and it highlights the issue is not with women, but it is with patriarchal men.

In every difficulty there is a blessing and after every hardship comes ease (Quran 94:5).

Despite 2012 being a difficult year, it challenged me to seek answers and that in itself was a blessing. It started conversations on the ethical, moral and spiritual dilemmas for women who play outdoor sport. It also revealed there is a need to create opportunities for women who prefer to participate in more intimate settings.

Founding the club independently of the men in 2013 has been a time-consuming task. The AFL has been supportive and the women who volunteer have worked tirelessly to establish the foundation. We are still working, learning and evolving. I am constantly questioning if we are sticking to the guidelines offered by those I consulted and continue on my journey to seek guidance.

My faith is one of beauty and diversity. There is flexibility in my faith for women to play sport and remain devoted to using religious principles as a moral compass.

Despite the diverse theological influences and cultural differences between the players, they share their love for the game and for the sisterhood. They also share the passion to make a difference for women who have been lumped into a narrative prescribed for them by patriarchy and systemic oppression, justified by misusing culture and misinterpreting religion.

Islam is a religion of pluralism and our choice to participate is not a deviant innovation. Rather, it is a perversion of the faith to simply render Islam as a black and white canvas with only one way of doing things. My faith is one of beauty and diversity. There is flexibility in my faith for women to play sport and remain devoted to using religious principles as a moral compass.

I found my answers in the Islamic faith. The vastness of the faith has strong principles and one of them is to honour and protect women. This does not translate to “make decisions for them because they are incapable of using their intellect and owning their opinions”. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) introduced unprecedented rights for women. It is unfortunate that globally, women are still having the most basic conversation about their right to participate in society. I believe men are crucial advocates and agents for upholding the rights of women.

“Consult your heart. Righteousness is about which the soul feels tranquil and the heart feels tranquil…” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The most meaningful consultation is with my heart. Seeking guidance doesn’t restrict me to obeying the instruction of others. Ultimately, I am accountable for my actions.

I witness players grow as they travel the roads of their hearts and minds. For some, it has been a life changing experience. It gives them a sisterhood and a safe place to explore their identity, struggles with their self (image, worth and esteem), improve their discipline, explore their faith and connect with their inner strength.

This team by no means is restricted to Muslim women; part of the learning and development has been the intercultural and interfaith experiences on and off the field. Beyond the curious conversations about fasting in Ramadan while playing footy in the heat while wearing hijab, the women converse about daily life (work, study, family, dreams) and their perspectives on contemporary issues.

As the women on the team nervously step onto the field for the first time, thoughts of uncertainty, confusion and doubt of capability will naturally run through their minds. I am certain by the time they come off the field at the end of the season, thoughts of triumph, courage, confidence and sense of achievement will be felt.

It’s more than footy – it’s about faith, freedom and family.

Thank you to my friends who contributed by reading and editing this article. A special thanks to Crescent Wealth Investments and local restaurant Hawa Charcoal Chicken who support our dream by committing to sponsor the Auburn Tigers Women’s Team for the next three years.

Amna K-Hassan is a 24-year-old passionate advocate for young people and women’s rights. She is the cofounder of the Auburn Tigers Women’s Club. Amna works for the Australian Federal Police Community Liaison Team.

Source: http://rightnow.org.au/writing-cat/feature/muslim-women-kick-goals-2/

Muslim women find a new goal with AFL

By Peter LALOR

JUST behind the towering goalposts of the Gallipoli Mosque, in the heart of Sydney's west, is a sight that would make AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou fall to his knees and weep with unrestrained joy.

Players from the Auburn Tigers women's football team, which is predominantly Muslim. Picture: James Croucher Source: The Australian

Here in the heartlands of rugby league, tabouleh and fully-sick cars, a green shoot of Australian football has taken root.

The Auburn Tigers football side that trains every Wednesday is not, however, just another team. It is a primarily Muslim team. A primarily Muslim women's football team.

At the National Press Club this week, Demetriou spoke about the challenges facing his code and asked: "How do we make our game relevant to a 10-year-old Muslim girl?"

The answer is: get her older sisters to sign up for the Auburn Tigers and watch her follow.

Amna Karra-Hassan gives you some idea of how big a cultural gap has been leapt, where 25 per cent of the population is Muslim and 10 per cent Chinese.

Most of the girls in the Tigers are of Lebanese background but there is also a Fijian, Bosnian, Turkish and Afghan member too.

"And an Anglo," Karra-Hassan says.

The 22-year-old has never watched a game of football on television or live, but she has played in four competition matches in the Sydney women's league after being encouraged to form the side. She has never heard of Gary Ablett but volunteers a fact that will have Demetriou blubbering all over again. She knows who Israel Folau is.

The AFL is hoping Folau, the rugby league convert who will play with the Greater Western Sydney Giants at the nearby Olympic stadium next year, will be a conduit for a cultural and geographical group that has never engaged with the code.

Karra-Hassan explains that the Muslim girls are observant of their religious customs and so play in headscarves and with covered limbs. They have a strategy ready for the day a scarf is lost in a tackle and plan to surround the victim until it is reinstated. "Our first priority is to make sure the girl is comfortable," she says.

The Auburn Tigers began last year as a Muslim club and the boys' side won the fourth division premiership in its first season. The women only began this year, prompted by the urging of the NSW AFL multicultural officers. They will have a female coach and have asked  the Tigers' male side to keep away on their training nights and game days.

On the cultural barriers to forming the team, Karra-Hassan is frank.

"Girls don't play sport is the big one," she says. "My dad has that attitude and it took a while for our parents to become comfortable with it. Luckily, Dad doesn't even know what AFL footy is, but if he ever saw me get tackled I would be in so much trouble."

Karra-Hassan says that the other women's sides have been helpful.

Asked if the game ever gets rough, she shrieks: "Of course it does. We are from Auburn!"

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/muslim-women-find-a-new-goal-with-afl/story-e6frg7mf-1226064412743

Sports hijab lets Islamic women throw some punches

Letting out shrill cries, several young women in a Montreal taekwondo class kicked their way through the exercises, not a hair out of place as they were demurely covered by an Islamic sports hijab.

Elham Seyed Javad (C), seen here posing with a taekwondo team in Montreal wearing a sport hijab she created to allow the young girls of the muslim taekwondo team to take part in the competitions. Their federation have excluded them because of their traditional hijab, deemed contrary to the security rules.

Their religion prohibits these female athletes from showing off their firm physiques, or their hair. Yet Western society also frowns on the wearing of traditional Muslim headscarves in sports competitions.

So Iranian-born Canadian designer Elham Seyed Javad came up with an idea to marry the two worlds and allow young girls and women to take part in physical activities while also adhering to strict Islamic rules.

And the order books for the 27-year-old's start-up are fast filling up with calls for her head coverings arriving from around the world including Japan, Germany and Australia.

The company iQO Design is now eyeing a lucrative contract to supply the Iranian women's football team, with the aim that they will be worn during the next Olympic Games.

The idea came to the young designer in 2007 after five young Muslim women were thrown out of a Montreal taekwondo tournament because their headscarves were deemed by the sports federation to be dangerous.

Seyed Javad, who was studying industrial design at the University of Montreal at the time, was outraged but instead of protesting decided to find a solution.

At school, she designed a slip-on hooded t-shirt made of stretch fabric. The university immediately seized on its potential: its agency for commercializing its scientific discoveries and inventions filed patents for the sports hijab on her behalf in Canada and the United States.

Made of a fabric that moves perspiration away from the body, the garment slips on like a balaclava and is tied at the back. "It's much less hot, and it stays in place," says trainer Gaelle Texier. And, she adds, it doesn't mess up your hair.

"It's a compromise," said taekwondo student Asmaa Ibnouzahir. "It allows us to play the sports we enjoy, that we were doing but were forced to quit."

The university's commercial unit, Univalor, said it has even greater potential.

"Of course we looked to market it to young Muslim women in sports, but also for F1 racing, go-carting, and hospital operating rooms," said Univalor's Thomas Martinuzzo.

It is not just for athletes, he explains. An Australian policewoman, for example, recently started wearing one as part of a trial.

"My goal is to separate the religious connotation from the sports connotation," said Seyed Javad. "So when other organizations approach us, it's very positive because the religious aspect is not linked to the garment."

The so-called ResportOn is currently sold for 63 dollars (44 euros) over the Internet.

Each prototype is designed and sewn in a Montreal studio, adapted to suit the particular circumstances of each customer. But Javad is already dreaming big, and hopes one day to sell the garment in sports stores everywhere.

Since the ResportOn first went on sale in November interest has skyrocketed, attracting attention from 170 cities around the world.

The start-up behind it has also partnered with an investor and recruited a sales representative in Iran.

The company is now pitching its wares to hospitals and racing drivers, as well as people with dreadlocks who want to keep their prized hairdos in place even when out on the sports field.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/236851/sports-hijab-lets-islamic-women-throw-some-punches

A Kickboxer from Sydney: Mariam Farid

by Trevor Allen

“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do,” wrote British journalist Walter Bagehot.

There are few who truly go out of their way to realise this, to defy stereotypes and cultural barriers like Mariam Farid.

Arriving at the Bulldog Gym in Parramatta on a chilly, late-September evening, she appears unremarkable. At about 160cm tall, she hardly has the imposing stature of her trainer, Tim Fisher. She wears her regular work clothes and her black hair is tied into a ponytail.

But Mariam Farid leads a double life. By day, the 23 year old is a social worker at Westmead Hospital. By night, she trains as a Muay Thai kickboxer.

Entering the gym, she dons a t-shirt and shorts. Although she does not have the muscle definition of her male counterparts, she has the steely determination evident in all top prize-fighters. “I’ve gotta train hard for my next fight in October,” she says. “It’s not gonna be easy and I’ve gotta lose six kilos to make the weight.”

Farid has won all three of her amateur bouts. She is dedicated to her intense training regime, working out for three hours every weeknight as she builds towards her goal of becoming a national champion.

But there is another side to her story. Farid is a proud Muslim and came to Australia as a refugee in 1996 after fleeing the Taliban. She lived in Herat with her parents, grandmother, two sisters and brother. Her mother was a teacher at the local school and her father was the manager of a construction firm.

As the provincial capital and Afghanistan’s third-largest city, Herat is a hive of activity. After the Soviets left, the city was captured by the Taliban as its grip tightened across the country. With the Taliban’s brutal rule came drastic changes to Farid’s life.

“I remember everything from that time,” she says.

“Girls were banned from going to school, women needed male escorts and there were regular public killings in the soccer stadium. It was terrible.”

One particularly chilling experience has remained with her since she was 10 years old.

“I was with my dad riding a bike on the way to the video store near our house. As we approached the square, all of a sudden we were thrown to the ground, as a bomb had just exploded very close to us. There was blood everywhere and my father was hit with a small piece of shrapnel in his mouth.”

Apart from scratches and bruises, Farid and her father escaped unharmed but others nearby were killed by the blast.

In 1997, her father took the family on vacation to Iran. Whilst there, he received a phone call from relatives living in Australia. He was told it was too dangerous to return to Afghanistan and he should flee. He wanted a better life for his children so the family boarded a plane for Sydney.

“It was quite a shock,” she says.

“I never got to say goodbye to my extended family in Herat. They said, ‘No, don’t go!’ but my father wanted us to have an education, which we couldn’t get in Afghanistan.”

In Sydney, she attended intensive English classes, completed high school and now studies social work at university.

So, how does she transform from social worker to kickboxer?

“I’m not an aggressive person,” she says.

“When I step in the ring, I just concentrate on what I’ve learned from Tim. But it’s just a sport to me. I do it for fun.”

In Australia, less than one per cent of Muay Thai kickboxers are women, and there is a fledgling circuit for female fighters in Sydney. Bouts are mainly held at local RSL Clubs as the undercard to big professional fights.

Farid discovered the sport partly by accident.

“I used to do regular training at another gym where Tim was also a trainer, but I found regular gym work boring,” she says. “So when Tim opened a new gym three years ago, I began kickboxing. It’s been really tough but Tim has been a great teacher. And you have to be very disciplined.”

The ancient martial art is Thailand’s national sport. Practitioners claim it was developed by Siamese soldiers, more than 2000 years ago, as an unarmed combat method in case they lost their weapons in battle. Thai locals nicknamed the sport the “Art of Eight Limbs” because fighters attack with eight points of contact: punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes. They compete bare-foot and with little protective clothing other than specialised boxing gloves and groin protection.

Preparing for the upcoming fight, Farid’s routine consists of skipping, push-ups, sit-ups, circuit training and kicking and punching technique training.

Her trainer, Tim Fisher, says: “When I first met Mariam, she was very quiet and reserved. Now she has so much confidence, it’s amazing… she’s very tenacious.”

Sparring is also an integral part of Farid’s training and she is unfazed by her male counterparts.

“At first they’re a little hesitant to hit me, but when I hit them, they’re like ‘Oh, OK. She’s pretty good,’ so they start punching a lot harder.”

“I had my nose broken during one session. There was blood streaming down my face and I had to get Tim to crack it back into place,” laughs Farid.

“My parents still don’t know about that one!”

She says although her parents support her, they still have not seen her fight. “My sister comes to my fights and texts them the results. When my parents see the trophies I bring home, they’re very impressed.”

Although Farid is in every other sense, a typical Muslim woman living in Sydney, she displays no signs of being religious.

“Although…I don’t wear a hijab [traditional head scarf for Muslim women], I don’t think it’s just the external that counts,” she says. “I think you have to feel it on the inside. I was born Muslim and I am Muslim.”

And what would her life be like if she had remained in Afghanistan?

“I’d probably be married by now. With kids!” she says.

Farid is a fighter – both in the literal and figurative sense. She is no stranger to community criticism. Muslim women can be frowned upon for doing any activities considered masculine, especially contact sports. In response to a story in a local newspaper, a reader condemned her for kickboxing. But Farid is unconcerned by such reactions and receives Facebook messages of support from the local youth.

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. It hasn’t stopped me from doing what I love doing. So I just ignore it – it just flies over my head.”

Source: http://www.reportageonline.com/2010/11/muslim-woman-defies-kickboxing-stereotypes/

Photos: Reportageonline

Some News from a Past Event: Shinpads and Hijabs

"I newly heard of these past events, thanks to Assmaah Helal, one of the loyal followers of this blog. Although they are older than 6 months now, I believe they are worth sharing -and documenting especially for those interested in Muslim women's sports activities" Sertaç Sehlikoglu

Shinpads and Hijabs by Stuart Meney

On Wednesday 28 July more than 100 female students from the Islamic College of Brisbane at Karawatha participated in small sided football games as part of Football United's brand new program to hit Queensland. Football United's story is beginning to be told in South East Queensland, with a number of partners on board to assist in the delivery of the Shinpads & Hijabs program, including Football Queensland, Brisbane Roar Football Club and the Australian Sports Commission.

Shinpads & Hijabs is funded through Multicultural Affairs Queensland in the Department of Communities and National Action Plan funding from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

The program, which will focus on empowering Muslim women to coach and deliver their own football games already has six local female Muslim community representatives signed on as volunteer coaches and will be coordinated by football enthusiast and Young Queenslander of the Year 2010, Yassmin Abdel-Magied. In addition the program will build links between the Islamic College of Brisbane and other local education Centres, by providing footballing opportunities to girls from other institutions, hosted at the ICB.

Inspiration and mentoring will be provided by Brisbane Roar Westfield W-League players as part of the club’s ongoing commitment to cultural diversity through the Queensland Roars Against Racism partnership.

Islamic College of Brisbane Principal, Dr Mubarak Noor said the female student body was looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about football and to participate in a safe and culturally sensitive environment.

“Sports and recreational activities in Australia are not always inclusive to the needs of young women from diverse backgrounds, and many barriers exist that limit opportunities for young Muslim women in participate in organised sport activities”

Dr Noor said he was delighted that a number of female community leaders from within the local Muslim community had volunteered to participate in the program as coaches.

“Having women from within our own community develop the skills necessary to coach our young women is a great step towards increasing the number of girls who play organised sport. Equally the commitment of the project partners such as Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC working to address participation barriers will result in positive outcomes all round,” he said.

Wednesday’s game included an official launch with Brisbane Roar FC players, Government representatives and other dignitaries with the full program set to kick off next Wednesday, 4 August 2010.

Source: http://www.footballunited.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=293:shinpads-and-hijabs&catid=7:football-united-news&Itemid=62

Football United Projects - Shinpads and Hijabs!

This program is a collaboration between Football United , Q-Connect, the Islamic College of Brisbane and Vikings Futsal with support from a number of organisations. Yassmin Abdel-Magied, the President of Youth Without Borders is the head coach of the program, and hopes that this will lead to more collaboration within community and sporting groups.

"I think it's fantastic that these groups are coming together to collaborate on such a simple but brilliant idea! As a football fanatic myself, I look forward to being a part of the program, and hopefully this will lead to more Football United collaborations in Queensland. Youth Without Borders looks forward to working with Football United and Q-Connect on projects in the future".

August Program Photos!

Thanks to all the tireless work from the Vikings Futsal Coaches and for Football United for such a fantastic initiative!

The Launch and first training session

Below is a video of the girls enjoying some warm down activities; in particular a game called "Head or Catch". If the leader calls out "Head!" you have to catch the ball, and if they call out "Catch!", then you have to head the ball! As you can see, the girls had quite a laugh with this!

Press Release!

On Wednesday more than 100 female students from the Islamic College of Brisbane at Karawatha will participate in small sided football games as part of a brand new program to hit Queensland - Football United.

Football United, a grass roots community program based out of the University of New South Wales in Sydney, already has great tenure in New South Wales having been delivered for over four years and engaging more than 2,500 young people from refugee backgrounds in organized football competitions in and around Western Sydney.The program is endorsed internationally by FIFA and nationally by the Football Federation of Australia and Football New South Wales.

A similar story is beginning to be told in South East Queensland, with a number of partners on board to assist in the delivery of the Shinpads & Hijabs program, including Football Queensland, Brisbane Roar Football Club and the Australian Sports Commission.

Shinpads & Hijabs is funded through Multicultural Affairs Queensland in the Department of Communities and National Action Plan funding from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and run by through its local partner Q-Connect.

The program, which will focus on empowering Muslim women to coach and deliver their own football games already has six local female Muslim community representatives signed on as volunteer coaches and will be coordinated by football enthusiast and Young Queenslander of the Year 2010, Yassmin Abdel-Magied.In addition the program will build links between the Islamic College of Brisbane and other local education Centres, by providing footballing opportunities to girls from other institutions, hosted at the ICB.

Inspiration and mentoring will be provided by Queensland W– League club Brisbane Roar Westfield W-League players as part of the club’s ongoing commitment to cultural diversity through the Queensland Roars Against Racism partnership.

Islamic College of Brisbane Principal, Dr Mubarak Noor said the female student body was looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about football and to participate in a safe and culturally sensitive environment.

“Sports and recreational activities in Australia are not always inclusive to the needs of young women from diverse backgrounds, and many barriers exist that limit opportunities for young Muslim women in participate in organised sport activities”

Dr Noor said he was delighted that a number of female community leaders from within the local Muslim community had volunteered to participate in the program as coaches.

“Having women from within our own community develop the skills necessary to coach our young women is a great step towards increasing the number of girls who play organised sport.Equally the commitment of the project partners such as Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar FC working to address participation barriers will result in positive outcomes all round,” he said.

Wednesday’s games will include an official launch with Brisbane Roar FC players, Government representatives and other dignitaries with the full program set to kick off next Wednesday, 4 August 2010.

Source: 

http://www.youthwithoutborders.com.au/content/football-united-projects-shinpads-and-hijabs