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Our Correspondent
Phek, Dec. 8 (EMN): A five-day long girls football coaching camp 2020 kicked off at Phek Town Local Ground on Tuesday. It is organised by the district administration Phek and district-level centre for women (DLCW)- Mahila Shakti Kendra under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) and supported by Nagaland Football Coaches Association(NFCA) and DEF, Phek.
The inaugural session was attended by the director of Life Ministries and vice president of Nagaland Football Association (NFA), Colo Mero as guest of honour, according to an update from the organisers.
Speaking during the programme, Mero asserted that grassroots sports training is the key to developing professional sports in Nagaland and appreciated the district administration and the police for conducting the much-needed football coaching in the district.
Observed that the present day sportspersons are mostly students, he said sports-friendly institutions and supportive parents will help young people to become professional sportspersons.
[Also read: Free football coaching for girls in Phek]
Mero also stressed on the need for proper sports infrastructure to groom professionals in the field of sports in the state.
Meanwhile, the superintendent of police, Phek, Vesupra Kezo, earlier in his opening remarks maintained that football coaching has to be conducted considering the age and capability of the players, especially at the grassroots level.
The police officer appreciated the parents for encouraging the girls to participate in the coaching camp and added that their support is vital in motivating the players and nurturing the same.
He also stressed on the need for physical and mental development to compete with the rest of the world.
Saying that girls have better chances of make it to the highest level, than their male counterparts in Indian football, Kezo encouraged them (girls) to give all their efforts, citing the upcoming women's international football tournaments.
Meanwhile, the reigning Miss Phek Shefüvi Pfithu, who is also Phek BBBP campaigner, expressed her happiness on conducting the coaching camp for the girls and urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity.
Also asking the participants to break the stereotypes, she said: "Remember that if you are able to shine your way out through this skill, then you are already breaking stereotypes."
The football coaches who will train the young girls are: Lavoriyi Theluo, coach, ACI Football Academy Manipur (AIFF "D" License); Ciu Zashemo, coach, United Falcon Club Medziphema (AIFF "D" License); Diethozotuo, coach, Life Sports (AIFF "D" License); Akhrielie, coach, United 16 Kohima (AIFF "D" License); Daniel Rongmei, Coach - Barak FC Junior Football Academy (AIFF "D" License); Khrolo-u T Mero, Bachelor of Physical Education and Thangchapou Rongmai, coach, Elite Football Club Kohima (AIFF "D" License).
A total of 105 participants have registered for the coaching camp which will culminate on (Saturday) December 12.
Meanwhile, district administration of Phek and district-level centre for women (DLCW)- Mahila Shakti Kendra had extended their appreciation to the parents for showing positive response and letting their children participate in the football camp.