“The training was very encouraging. We learnt tips on how to play better, about morning exercises, proper diet and exercises for our bodies. We’ll use these lessons while we practice,” says Babita who is the captain and goalkeeper of Deepjyoti Bidya Ashram in Banke district.
Her team won the championship in the recent Coca Cola Regional Selection Program. Along with Babita, her team members – Srijana Malla, Ritu Budathoki, and Kabita Khanal – participated in the special football training camp at the ANFA Complex at Satdobato, Kathmandu.
Yuvraj Shahi, Deepjyoti School’s football coach, says that such special trainings encourage those children who have a passion for the game. He says, “For a new player, it’s a big thing to meet the captain of the national team. This deepens their interest in the game and makes it more important to them. Such programs affect the children positively.”
Regular training by professionals will not only interest the young players, but will also help to improve their game and provide invaluable tips. (Photo: Bikash Karki/Republica)
Though the program is not done annually, this special training camp was planned with the intention of inspiring and encouraging new talented players, says Indraman Tuladhar, ANFA Chief Executive Director. He says, “It’s important to have programs which attract and encourage young players to football. This helps in producing good footballers for the future.”
Nutritious food and fitness affects the game of the player. Many football players have had to end their career due to lack of attention in these spheres.
During the training, the importance of physical and mental fitness, football skills and a balanced nutritious diet was drilled into the participants.
There are many programs today in Nepali football. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has such a list of annual programs that it’s finding it difficult to complete them. With tournaments like League and Knockout being the priority, ANFA doesn’t have many programs that encourage young footballers. Hence, ANFA brought together the best nationwide players from eight different schools with the help of the Coca Cola Cup Interschool National Football Tournament.
Sagar Thapa, captain of the national football team and previous captains, Rajukaji Shakya, Hari Khadka and Rakesh Shrestha, taught the children basic football tips and shared their personal experiences with them while training the students. The two-day training camp was completed on December 27, 2012.
Students from the Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya in Bhaktapur, Deepjyoti Bidya Ashram, and J P High School in Banke, Pathfinder School in Kathmandu, Him Shikhar Boarding in Sunsari, Tops High School in Kaski, Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya in Pokhara and Public High School in Sunsari participated in the two-day special training meet at ANFA. From each school, the best four players (Forward, Midfield, Defense, and Keeper) were brought in for the training.
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