Girls' football: prospects and concerns
Today, Bangladesh women's football team lost 6-1 to South Korea in the U-20 Asian Cup Women's Football. It was quite sunny today. In the previous match (48 hours ago) at the same time, Bangladesh played a match with East Timor. Bangladesh won the match by a large margin.East Timor is a team of similar quality to us. Professional football in Bangladesh is not truly professional yet. This applies not only to women but also to men. Leagues are not held regularly. Clubs often do not want to pay women players. On top of that, clubs lack the required infrastructure. The girls who overcome social barriers to step onto the field are not receiving proper respect, adequate facilities, safety, or nutrition. The difference in height and physical build between our girls and those from European or world-class teams is clear — and this plays a key role in match results. Girls who have faced malnutrition since birth cannot continue playing for many years because their nutritional baseline is weak. Our football, especially women’s football, is standing today on the tireless efforts of girls from marginalised families. It is now the responsibility of the authorities to take it forward. Otherwise, men’s football will repeat its history — in the 1980s and 90s, despite huge enthusiasm and potential, it did not develop due to a lack of professional structure. Countries with economies similar to ours, like Brazil, play world-class football because they have at least ensured basic professionalism. This is possible in our country too, but it requires investment in football — and that investment must be intelligent investment. My suggestions to policymakers are: 1. The greatest contribution to our women’s football comes from the northern region, Mymensingh, and Khulna–Satkhira areas. Invest in building football infrastructure in these regions — minimum facilities such as coaches, changing rooms, physios, adequate football supply, jerseys, boots, nutritious snacks, gyms, and proper field maintenance. 2. Start women’s leagues at the divisional level. For example, in the north, we can hold the Begum Rokeya Cup Football every year on Rokeya Day. 3. Encourage private sponsorship (industrial groups, large NGOs). 4. Include football in annual school and college sports, and continue existing school football competitions. 5. In December–January, when school activities are relaxed, arrange divisional residential camps for talented players. 6. Organise competitions among the eight divisions. 7. Run special campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of adolescent nutrition. 8. Ensure access to nutritious, safe, and secure food. 9. Encourage girls from middle- and upper-class families to play football alongside those from marginalised families. 10. Create an economic safety net for those who want to take football as a profession and offer job opportunities in various services and forces. If these programs are implemented, results will start showing in a decade. 11. Stand by grassroots football organisers who, with immense sacrifice, have brought women’s football this far, and acknowledge their role. If these recommendations are implemented, the golden days of Bangladesh’s women’s football will not be far away. Victory to the indomitable daughters! Author: Development and child rights activist, Adviser, Rangatungi Women’s Football Club, Thakurgaon; Co-Chair, CSA for SUN in Bangladesh.
