“Effective communication is the key to become a good leader” – Bhumika Mane
Mumbai in the recent past has seen an upsurge in Women participation for Sports. As research suggests, active participation from Women in sports not only uplifts gender equality but helps improve health all around the world. Now critics might say, in a poor country where people fail to make ends meet daily, how can sports be imperative? Well, to answer the same, female participation in sport is not dependent on the fortune of a country. Some of the highest inactivity from female in sports appear from affluent middle-eastern countries.
In Mumbai, the sports scenario for women is at a “rise” says Bhumika Mane. Growing up watching her father do wonders on the field, she was very inspired to follow his footsteps. “I used to accompany my father when he used to play matches. I would go with him and in the half-time, I would play with the football” reminisced Bhumi.
Catching eyeballs at a tender age, the coach of Dadar XI, Mr Clarence Lobo suggested Bhumi’s father to focus on her and a new chapter was hence unfurled. Bhumi started her training when she was eleven-years-old. Her first organized training happened at Raja Sports Academy, where she learned the basics of the game from Coach Raja Shetty.
To improve and better herself, she soon joined Dadar XI, where her father used to play. Under the guidance of Coaches Clarence Lobo, Alex Ambrose, and Manohar Shetty, Bhumi developed at a rapid pace. Not having a women’s team at Dadar XI, the coaches decided to send Bhumi to Companeroes FC as she deemed fit for a professional contract.
At Companeroes, Bhumi got her first taste of professionalism. “Sir Sydney Alexander, my coach at Companeroes FC has helped me develop my skills, strength, and speed. Not only did he guide me to become a better footballer, but he has helped me become a good human being” quipped Bhumi.
Once Bhumi proved her mettle at Companeroes, she was directly called up to represent the state team. On many instances, she was bestowed with the captaincy to lead the side. “My experience to represent Mumbai and Maharashtra has been good so far. I am learning each day. I keenly follow the gameplan of the coaches and try to implement them and focus on leaving a mark. Talking about my experience in captaincy, it was a great moment to be the Captain of the Mumbai team. I have learned a lot and it has boosted my morale” said Bhumi.
Speaking about the leadership qualities one must possess to lead an outfit, she says communication is the key. “According to me, leadership is all about effective communication with people. A leader needs to encourage people, and if they get down for some reasons, it is the leader’s responsibility to encourage the person to move forward” says the 15-year-old Bhumika Mane.
What makes Bhumi special amongst her colleagues is her scoring prowess. She is a box striker and knows how to find the net. Speaking about her learnings as a striker, Bhumi describes what are the attributes a striker must-have. “According to me, a striker should have some skills, strength to shield the ball, speed, shooting, decision-making and positioning sense.” narrates Bhumi.
Talking about her inspiration, Bhumi says that she is learning about life and football from her father, who himself was a notable footballer. Speaking to his father, Mr Bharat Mane, a football lover and a renowned Lawyer, he was filled with joy to speak about his daughter. “Being a father I always try to support, encourage, motivate and also tell her the mistakes and how would she improve them. I always try to be with her everywhere she goes to play. During this pandemic time, I have personally taken the onus on myself to train her. My dream is to see her don the national colours. I want to see Bhumi winning a gold medal for the country” quoted Mr. Bharat.
With the constant support from Canossa High School in Mahim, Bhumi’s school Principal Sr. Ruth Furtado has given her several concessions to balance sport and studies. She has represented her school in several Mumbai School Sports Association and District School Office tournaments and achieved a great feat. Talking about balancing sports and studies, Bhumi greets her school for the active co-operation.
Idolizing Megan Rapinoe who is the American Women’s Football Team legend, Bhumi is determined to improve and has aspirations to represent India in an age-group category within the next five years.
Also Read: Thank you Football, says U-17 WWC probable Sai Sankhe after securing 96.2% marks in Class X boards
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Odisha FC wins their first-ever playoff match to qualify for semi-final with comeback victory against Kerala Blasters FC
Bhubaneswar, April 19: Odisha FC qualified for the semi-final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 by beating Kerala Blasters FC by 2-1 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar tonight. Accordingly,…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…