Clare Jamal O’Brien

Clare Jamal O'Brien

My main passion is to help build a new world based on writings of Baha’u’llah. I plan to do this through working with football teams.

Common to many other Alaskan girls, I started playing football at the ripe age of 8. My first coach, my father, taught me about the ethics of playing football… and shortly after my team-mates taught me the beauty of slide-tackling. This was the start of a beautiful relationship.

Eight years ago I made a choice to move to East Africa to start my university degree and help with the development of the Baha’i Community. The process of being accepted was difficult and complex, but once I crossed the border of colour, I was led into a vibrant world. I became intoxicated by the history of East Africa and the richness of the culture. During my time in East Africa I became heavily involved with the culture of football.

In 2005 I came to Oxford and did a MSc in African Studies, with a specialization in football. I am currently working on a PhD in Medical Sciences (and FOOTBALL!)