United Summer Camp 2025: Hope, Football, and the Dream of Freedom
From Nora Steiner
They were national team players, role models, and sources of hope for many young women in Afghanistan – until they were forced to flee. Today, they live scattered across Europe. But football still gives them strength, identity, and hope. From June 10 to 15, 2025, they will reunite in Zurich – at the United Summer Camp hosted by the Coubertin meets Dunant Foundation.
Omul Banin Ramzi was part of the Afghan U19 national team before being evacuated to Portugal. Faestha Qasemi, also once a national player, now wears the jersey of Portugal – still dreaming of one day playing for a free Afghanistan. Elaha Aafdari, one of the top goalkeepers in the Afghan women’s league, was honored just before the Taliban regained control – today, she is fighting for a new future. And Khalida Popal, founder of the Girl Power Organization, lives in exile after receiving death threats – raising her voice for silenced women through her book My Beautiful Sisters.
These women are connected by more than their background: courage, determination, and a deep love for football. The United Summer Camp offers them a week of connection, training, exchange, and hope – alongside young players from VfL Wolfsburg, GC Zürich Women, and FC Winterthur Women.
Experience their stories up close.
Join us – be inspired by the strength of these young women, their passion for football, and their hope for a better future.
🗓 Sport Talk – June 12 in Bern, 6 PM:
Join the conversation: Sport as a bridge between cultures and life paths.
⚽ Charity Match – June 14, 2 PM at Sportanlage Dürrbach (Wangen-Brüttisellen near Dübendorf):
Be there when players from different worlds take the field together – for connection, empowerment, and solidarity.
Your presence shows: These stories matter – and they won’t be forgotten.
A heartfelt thank-you to all our partners who make this camp possible.
