BSS, Dhaka :
Thinking about the future of women football, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has arranged a residency camp for under-16 girls to nurture them and ensure their healthy development as potential players.
Already BFF is reaping harvest after providing training for under -16 booters keeping them together and their harmony saw 15 of them have already been selected for the national side which played recently in the SAFF women’s championship in India as disclosed in BFF’s websites.
The 28 players selected were drafted for the residency camp from the seven regional camps and their performance during local and national tournaments.
The federation emphasises on coaching and training for players’ development as well as adequate exposure to show them a glimpse of the life of professional footballers’ life. Their education is also taken care of while they are at the camp.
“These U-16 players are the core of our national team too. They have been selected based on performance,” Coach Golam Rabbani said to BSS.
The U-16 women’s team, which shows much potential of making Bangladesh proud, has been lodged on the third floor of the federation under strict supervision and care.
“This crop of youngsters has much potential to become better women’s footballers. They have been practicing constantly in this camp and the BFF is encouraging them to get adapted to these situations,” the coach added.
The girls train everyday playing against each other improving their skills. “Right now these kids don’t have any guest team to play against, so they play each other regularly to keep themselves involve “the coach expressed.
With more time on their hands and the players readily available, the football authorities arrange regular workshops for the players as well as the coaches to implement modern training methods and improve their tactical knowledge and understanding.
One of the important features is that the parents and guardians of the budding footballers were impressed with the federation’s tutoring system. The team has designated times for study and is provided with private tutors to help them with their lessons. Players are also allowed to leave ahead of their board/final exams regularly.
Education and performance on the field go hand in hand with the federation’s aspiration of grooming not just sportspersons, but also accomplished educated citizens for Bangladesh. “They are not treated as players, rather as model citizens with a penchant for this sport.”
Proper food and nutrition, as it is an important aspects for any sports training programme to insure the health and fitness for the booters who has mostly come from rather humble backgrounds. “Here in this residential camp where they have a security, stable life, which was not possible in their own backyard.”
This residency is also a gateway for their financial securities as many football clubs scout for talents at such camps. The federation for its part also helps its young wards get hired by clubs. “Clubs scout the camp regularly as these girls are the future of football. Many keep in touch with them, some are already signed on pre-contract for their brilliance and potential,” said Rabbani.
Furthermore, each player gets a monthly stipend for incidentals expenses.
“The federation provides them with some pocket money, which they can spend or send back to their family. Many players here are supporting their family by playing football,” Rabbani added.
Regarding the state of women’s football, Rabbani said, “One of the biggest problems we have faced throughout the years is that once they settle down, and have a family, it is almost a goodbye to their football career. We have lost many amazing players to early marriage.
However, I am hopeful with the way the federation is handling and dealing with women’s football now, maybe there might be change in attitude in our orthodox male dominated society.”
Thinking about the future of women football, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has arranged a residency camp for under-16 girls to nurture them and ensure their healthy development as potential players.
Already BFF is reaping harvest after providing training for under -16 booters keeping them together and their harmony saw 15 of them have already been selected for the national side which played recently in the SAFF women’s championship in India as disclosed in BFF’s websites.
The 28 players selected were drafted for the residency camp from the seven regional camps and their performance during local and national tournaments.
The federation emphasises on coaching and training for players’ development as well as adequate exposure to show them a glimpse of the life of professional footballers’ life. Their education is also taken care of while they are at the camp.
“These U-16 players are the core of our national team too. They have been selected based on performance,” Coach Golam Rabbani said to BSS.
The U-16 women’s team, which shows much potential of making Bangladesh proud, has been lodged on the third floor of the federation under strict supervision and care.
“This crop of youngsters has much potential to become better women’s footballers. They have been practicing constantly in this camp and the BFF is encouraging them to get adapted to these situations,” the coach added.
The girls train everyday playing against each other improving their skills. “Right now these kids don’t have any guest team to play against, so they play each other regularly to keep themselves involve “the coach expressed.
With more time on their hands and the players readily available, the football authorities arrange regular workshops for the players as well as the coaches to implement modern training methods and improve their tactical knowledge and understanding.
One of the important features is that the parents and guardians of the budding footballers were impressed with the federation’s tutoring system. The team has designated times for study and is provided with private tutors to help them with their lessons. Players are also allowed to leave ahead of their board/final exams regularly.
Education and performance on the field go hand in hand with the federation’s aspiration of grooming not just sportspersons, but also accomplished educated citizens for Bangladesh. “They are not treated as players, rather as model citizens with a penchant for this sport.”
Proper food and nutrition, as it is an important aspects for any sports training programme to insure the health and fitness for the booters who has mostly come from rather humble backgrounds. “Here in this residential camp where they have a security, stable life, which was not possible in their own backyard.”
This residency is also a gateway for their financial securities as many football clubs scout for talents at such camps. The federation for its part also helps its young wards get hired by clubs. “Clubs scout the camp regularly as these girls are the future of football. Many keep in touch with them, some are already signed on pre-contract for their brilliance and potential,” said Rabbani.
Furthermore, each player gets a monthly stipend for incidentals expenses.
“The federation provides them with some pocket money, which they can spend or send back to their family. Many players here are supporting their family by playing football,” Rabbani added.
Regarding the state of women’s football, Rabbani said, “One of the biggest problems we have faced throughout the years is that once they settle down, and have a family, it is almost a goodbye to their football career. We have lost many amazing players to early marriage.
However, I am hopeful with the way the federation is handling and dealing with women’s football now, maybe there might be change in attitude in our orthodox male dominated society.”
