Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council has introduced a first-ever orientation course under United States-based trainers to promote football among the girls in the Valley.
The aim of this four-day programme is to empower the girls through football so that they could build a bright future for themselves.
In order to make the programme successful, 26 coaches and mentors from various district units of State Football Academy, including US-based trainers, were called to train the girls in various modules.
Reflecting on the event, a trainer from USA, Jackie, said that it is great to promote football amongst girls as it would help them to earn some confidence and work as a team.
Speaking to ANI, Jackie said, “It is a wonderful activity to promote football among girls. In regards to advocacy and value that sport brings to life, this event is incredibly powerful. The purpose is to get girls excited about what sports can bring to their lives and how so many life lessons can be taught through sports.”
“Helping them to earn some confidence, learn how to work as a team, find supporters and how that can all be related to life outside soccer,” she added.
The local girls who participated in the event also expressed excitement over the same as the programme came as an opportunity to explore their talent and abilities.
“I am feeling good as this is for the first time that such an event is being held in the Valley. Earlier, we had no clue what football is all about but now we are trained in this. Foreign coaches have come to train us. We are happy,” said Nuzhat Bashir, a participant in the event.
Another trainee, Aina, stated that apart from getting information about the technicalities of football, they are also being taught about the future scope of the game. Girls are getting a chance to get out of their houses and do something for themselves, she continued.
“I am happy to be involved here. They are teaching us professionally and informing us about football techniques along with the future scope of the game. Girls get a chance to get out and do something for themselves,” she added.
Over 120 girls from various districts of the state participated in the event and learnt things regarding the football through practical and theoretical classes.
[source_without_link]IANS[/source_without_link]