`The fact we exist is huge´: Iran´s women plotting course to world stage
(The Guardian Iran)

Twelve years ago Kat Khosrowyar arrived in Iran on holiday. Now she´s driving a revolution in women´s football thereTo say things have changed for women´s football in Iran since Katayoun Khosrowyar first arrived in the country more than 12 years ago would be as understated as the coach of the newly established under-19 side herself. Back then the 30-year-old from Oklahoma known as `Kat` arrived in Tehran on a family holiday, was scouted for Iran´s newly formed futsal team and ended up captaining the national side after moving there permanently.`I didn´t speak the language or know anything about my culture - all I knew was that the food was really good,` Khosrowyar tells the Guardian. `Twelve years ago there were a lot of restrictions - people would ask: `Why do you want to play football? Just stay at home and learn to be good wives.´ But now we get lots of help from people who are outspoken about supporting women´s football.` Related: David Squires on ... England, VAR and the rest of World Cup 2018 so far Related: Neil Redfearn faces tough task to build team after exodus at Liverpool Continue reading...