Hadise

Sport provides great balance in the everyday routine.

Hadise, 18, grew up in Iran as an Afghan, and came to Germany in 2015. She loves playing football, and is a member of CHAMPIONS ohne GRENZEN e. V.

“I never played sport in Iran. I didn’t play in Turkey either, because women don’t play sport there. I only started once I came to Germany. My friend played football with Champions ohne Grenzen. He’s the one who told me about it. He told me women were also allowed to play there. I got to know the coaches. Then I tried it out, and I liked it. At the first training session, I was surprised a woman was also able to do this. The training session was a lot of fun, and I now play regularly.

I would now also like to not only play, but also coach. I’ve been inspired by my coaches. Ever since I’ve been playing regularly, my body needs movement and exercise. I’m now also into fitness, I go bike riding, and am also trying to learn how to swim. I’m sad whenever I’m unable to make training.

My brother has a very rigid idea of what being an Afghan woman means. He forbade me from doing lots of things. It was very tiring living with him. We don’t live together anymore.

Now it’s easier for me to go to training. My parents are in Iran. They know I play, but I don’t mention it much. I miss them and don’t want to fight with my mum.

My message to other women is: Come along; it’s fun! It annoys me when women only meet up to gossip and talk rubbish. I like to listen to the coach and learn. I want to develop and win! Sport helps me keep fit. But it also helps me when I’m feeling down. Sport puts me in a good mood.”