This paper carried two reports with a perspective from a Mumbai football promoter and a small-town football coach about girls in football
Spain's players celebrate after defeating England during the Women’s World Cup soccer final at Stadium Australia. Pic/AP, PTI
Spain won the women’s football World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand recently. The Spaniards beat England 1-0. The competition was unprecedented in interest and a sold out stadium watched the final at Sydney.
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Beyond that uplifting news, a competition of this scale puts the lens firmly on women and football. This paper carried two reports with a perspective from a Mumbai football promoter and a small-town football coach about girls in football.
The former stated just like a ‘digital divide’ where the privileged kids have more access to technology and gizmos compared to the not so privileged, football has a divide, too. Girls from upscale schools have more access to facilities like grounds, coaching and competition. Girls from aided, municipal schools often have to struggle for this. The small-town coach spoke about social barriers girls have to hurdle over, to get to a football field. To objection from parents and reservations about football apparel, there are girls that are going against ingrained, patriarchal beliefs and turning up for practice and play. One of the more heartening of both analyses was that the football experts spoke that girls had football aspirations, talent and a burning desire to play.
It is time to bridge the gap between the not so privileged and privileged on the football field. The local football body must ensure access to good coaching at least and grounds at different spots so that the former have the opportunity to train without having to travel too far from home.
For societal barriers, we need a change in mindset. If there are more fathers and brothers in the stands, cheering on their daughters and sisters, this will send a message to families stopping their girls from playing. The time has come not to hold back and see how girls get courage, confidence and are empowered with a football kit.
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