Paper short abstract:

This study examines the transnational activities and aspirations of female Afghan football players: some living in Afghanistan, some being migrants in other countries. The study discusses transnational imaginaries of the future, career possibilities, and love for the nation.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the case of the transnational activities and aspirations of female Afghan football players - some living in Afghanistan, some across the globe. Studies show that migrants, who have migrated from one nation to different host countries, may create a 'transnational space' and span borders and/or socio-cultural barriers through transnational activities. In this case, the nation and migrants' nation-oriented acts or projects may receive new forms and natures. A nation as such is no longer only a concrete 'imagined political' territory there - the country of origin; but it is a desired and symbolic transnational community. This transnational space intertwines with migrants' national envisioning and subjective becoming.

Drawing on a set of data consisting of several posts on a Facebook public page, internet articles, and a semi-qualitative interview with the coordinator of Afghanistan's national women football team, the study demonstrates the process of becoming a national team outside the war-torn country of origin. The study is carried out in Denmark - where the team coordinator resides. The team's activities and trial camps in other countries are also organized in Denmark. The study discusses these themes: transnational team goals; rethinking the Afghan nation; and migrants' imaginaries of the future. I will explore these themes with regard to the diversity of football players who live in different countries, identify themselves with Afghanistan, play as volunteers, and strive for gender equality and Afghan women's empowerment. Finally, I examine whether the football field is a 'space of refuge' or a ground for 'hope labor.'