Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
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It was an experience of a lifetime for 18 boys and girls from Nepal who attended the five-day AFC-FAM-Shelter Ashraya Nepal Youth Football & Leadership Camp 2019 supported by the AFC Dream Asia Foundation.
In a collaboration between the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and Shelter Ashraya Nepal (SAN), the camp, held from July 28 to August 1, provided the children with football training and lessons on leadership, problem solving and emotional resilience.
They had the opportunity to put their training to use in friendly football competitions against other Malaysian teams.
Outside the pitch, the Nepalese children, who were in Malaysia for the first time, also enjoyed sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur as a tour was arranged for them to visit the Petronas Twin Towers and Putrajaya.
Jivit Kushma Tharu, 15, who captained his side to four victories and one draw while scoring seven goals in the friendly competitions, said the camp was insightful and an eye-opener for him and other participants.
“The training was different because they covered more than just technical. They taught us about leadership and the role of a leader so it really gave us a wider view of football,” said Jivit.
Female footballer Alina Badi, 16, was delighted that the camp focused more than just playing football.
“We visited Kuala Lumpur and watched a cultural dance so we had the chance to learn more about Malaysia and its culture. More importantly, we made new friends from Malaysia after playing in friendly competitions. It was a very enjoyable camp,” she said.
For 16-year-old Sanju Badi, the camp was an opportunity to learn footballing lessons and life skills.
“After this week, I will be a better footballer and person. We learnt more than just how to kick a ball.”
“There were lessons on critical thinking and improving on your mental awareness and these are things which are important if you want to play better,” he said.
Meanwhile Sriyana Rijal believes the rare opportunity of training with foreign coaches has helped her become a better player.
“I’m still new in football so this was a good chance to learn from the coaches. I’m very happy that I was given this opportunity to attend this camp and also of course to visit beautiful Malaysia. I’ve never see so many tall buildings before!” said the 16-year-old.
The children, boys and girls, were selected from the winning teams of the second edition of the Street Child National Football League 2019 which was organised by SAN in Nepal in May.
