The upcoming Japan tour for the national U16 women’s team is part of the federation’s plan to increase foreign tours and exposure according to the third phase of the football development plan.

The Bangladesh Football Federation has carried out football development throughout Bangladesh under phases 1 and 2 of the development plan. Securing significant achievements in both men’s and women’s football through hard work in the past 8 years, the federation moved on to the 3rd phase in 2017. This phase 3 has marked eight pillars, one of which is women’s football.

Already, women’s football bear many encouraging signs with the U16 team winning a place in the AFC finals among the top eight countries and the women’s team finishing runners up in the SAFF championship, losing only to India in a well fought final.

These have been based on the hard work of the first two phases. The women’s side progressed from 128 to 111 in four years in FIFA rankings.

While female player development pathways have been made operational, Bangladesh saw success in age group SAFF tournaments too.

Realising the highly demanding level of football at the global level, the federation has undertaken necessary development to keep up with the times.

Under phase 3, a living document titled ‘Vision 2020’, the federation plans to develop all areas of the female game, through grassroots and participation initiatives, as well as creating opportunities for female players, coaches and administrators to develop and excel in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

The federation will follow in the footsteps of France and Sweden’s women focused development model to train and develop our girls in a proven manner.

Women’s football has been prioritised by making it one of the 12 strategic pillars to develop the game.

The federation has revamped its technical department to ensure implementation of the vision, approach and commitment to national teams and elite player development.