Reigning Liberty A-League Championship-winning coach Jeff Hopkins says he’s humbled to be leading the Afghan Women’s National Team (AWNT) into their return to football via Football Victoria’s state league competitions this season.
The AWNT is set to compete in Football Victoria State League 4 West in 2022 after fleeing Afghanistan in August, 2021 as the Taliban regained control of their home nation.
Melbourne Victory has since leapt to the aid of the AWNT, supporting their return to competitive action. In February the club announced it would provide the AWNT with the support of its football operations, and plans for the team to play under the club’s banner in 2022.
Today, the club announced Hopkins would take charge of the AWNT heading into the start of the State League 4 West season on Sunday, April 24.
Hopkins will take charge of the team after guiding Melbourne Victory to a surprise A-League Women’s Championship, triumphing over Premiers Sydney FC in the Grand Final in late March.
“I’m incredibly humbled to be working with this inspirational group of players who have showed determination and a willingness to stand up for what they believe in,” Hopkins told the club website. “To play a minor role in getting them ready for the upcoming season is very special.
“The power of football has well and truly come full circle and we’re incredibly proud as a club to be able to support the team in their journey back to the pitch. I’m looking forward to the progress they will make as footballers and on their own personal journeys throughout the season.”
The AWNT’s first home fixture kicks off on Sunday, May 1 at Ron Barassi Snr Park.
