On Saturday I had the honour of attending the Civic Reception for the Melbourne Victory Afghan Women’s football team, held at the Wagga City Council Chambers.

It was wonderful to welcome this inspiring team of young women, who are supported by the Melbourne Victory football club as they have been unable to return to Afghanistan as women to play football.

This was the team’s first visit to a regional centre, organised by the Wagga Wagga Football Trust, and a big shout out to Chris Blake who was a key force in arranging this. Each player and member of the support staff received a gift made by Juanita McLauchlan, to mark their visit to Wagga.

While here in Wagga the team played a match at McDonalds Park against the representative Wagga team. Also here in Wagga with the team were former Socceroo and human rights activist, Craig Forster, and former Matilda’s midfielder Sally Shipard.

They are truly an inspiring group of young women!