A FORMER Scotland striker has said it is a “privilege” after being named as the first ever head coach of the Afghan women's refugee team.
Pauline Hamill, who previously played for Celtic, Hibs and Kilmarnock, and coached at Rangers, was announced as the new head coach of the newly formed team by Fifa and has been endorsed by the footballing body’s president Gianni Infantino.
Fifa said the team is part of their commitment to offer “every girl and young woman the opportunity to pursue their footballing dreams, regardless of their circumstances”.
Women in Afghanistan have been banned from playing sports in the country since the Taliban came to power in 2021.
In May, football's governing body gave the green light for a new team of female players of Afghan nationality who had obtained refugee status abroad to be formed.
Hamill will manage three “talent identification camps”, from which a squad will be selected to play international friendlies as part of the project.
“We're proud to have Pauline Hamill guiding this team on such a meaningful journey,” Infantino (below) said in an announcement post on social media.
“Her experience, empathy and dedication will be a powerful source of strength and inspiration for these courageous players.”
He added: “Fifa stands firmly with Afghan women - at home and in exile - and remains committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can pursue their football dreams and be seen, heard and supported on the international stage.”
Fifa said the newly-established team “represents a significant step forward in giving Afghan players the international platform to which they aspire”, while also minimising the “risk of harm”.
Players for the team will also have access to support in other areas, including physical preparation, nutrition, psychological care and safeguarding.
Hamill, who played for Scotland 141 times across an 18-year career, said she had no hesitation in accepting the job, calling it a “no-brainer”.
She said: “I was super excited, honestly, as soon as I was offered the role.
“From the very start, something about the job was really pulling me in.
“So, when I had the opportunity to lead the team, for me it was an absolute no-brainer. It's a privilege to be invited into this project.
“This is going to be something really special, and I think it's something that they'll remember forever.
“It's more than just a football journey. This is something that will have a lasting effect on people.”
Hamill is an experienced coach, as she has worked with the Scotland women's under-17s between 2010 and 2017 before moving up to the under-19s for six years.
In 2003 she made history as she became the first ever female coach at Rangers, being appointed to a youth development role at the Ibrox club, while still playing football herself.
In 2023 she was named head coach of the Saudi Arabia women's under-20s, which was also a first for the country.
