Dhaka, January 13: The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has arranged a residency camp for under-16 girls to nurture them and ensure their healthy development as potential players. Having been together for just about three months and a half, these age group players have gelled rather well and 15 of them have already been selected for the national side playing in the SAFF women’s championship in India.

The 28 players at the rigorous residency programme were selected through trials in seven regional camps across the country and their performance at 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.

The U-16 women’s team, which shows much potential of doing 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 and lead women’s football. They have been practicing constantly in this camp and the federation is giving its best to keep them going,” 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 in the game” 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 that have won over parents and guardians of the budding footballers is 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 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 educated citizens. “They are not treated as players, rather as model citizens with a penchant for this sport.”

Proper food and nutrition, as it is for any sports training programme, is very important for the team and goes a long way in ensuring health and fitness, especially given the fact that many players come from rather humble and sometimes poor families. “Here they have a secure, stable life, which was not the case for many of them.”

This residency is also a gateway to riches as 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 on pre-contract for their brilliance and potential,” said Rabbani.

Furthermore, each player gets a monthly stipend for incidentals. “The federation provides them with some 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 they would settle down, have a family and never play again. 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.”