Dare to Dream Archives - Football Counter https://www.footballcounter.com/category/dare-to-dream/ The Home of Indian Football Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:01:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://static.footballcounter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/15041743/cropped-footballcounter-logo2-32x32.png Dare to Dream Archives - Football Counter https://www.footballcounter.com/category/dare-to-dream/ 32 32 Banswara based Islands United Football Club aims towards Building a sustainable model for smaller teams https://www.footballcounter.com/2021/building-a-sustainable-model-for-smaller-teams-aims-banswara-based-islands-united-football-club/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2021/building-a-sustainable-model-for-smaller-teams-aims-banswara-based-islands-united-football-club/#respond Thu, 16 Sep 2021 05:54:27 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=65340 A club based out of one of the most underprivileged and underdeveloped districts of the country – Banswara, where there is not even a Railway station is dreaming big to...

The post Banswara based Islands United Football Club aims towards Building a sustainable model for smaller teams appeared first on Football Counter.

]]>
A club based out of one of the most underprivileged and underdeveloped districts of the country – Banswara, where there is not even a Railway station is dreaming big to enter the Indian Football ecosystem through unique measures of crowdfunding.

Islands United Football Club recently participated in the Rajasthan State Men’s League, fourth division of Indian football system. Run by some of the meritorious graduates of foreign universities, these football passionates are discovering new ways to make football clubs business sustainable in India.

After 8 years of patience and perseverance, Islands United Football Club got an opportunity to play the Fourth Division of Indian Football System, the Rajasthan State Men’s League A Division 2021 (R League) last month. It was fascinating to know that only 8 clubs fulfilled the criteria set by the Rajasthan Football Association out of which 5 clubs were based in Jaipur (the capital of Rajasthan). IUFC was among the 3 non-Jaipur based football clubs along with Vedanta Group’s multimillion dollar CSR project, Zinc Academy based in Udaipur and defending champions, JECRC FC (rebranded to Rajasthan United Football Club) based in Bhilwara. Hailing from Banswara, one of the most underprivileged districts of Rajasthan and competing against the clubs with immense resources and greater pool of talented players, their campaign was destined to face challenges both on and off the field. Yet, the players believed everything is going to be all right. Below is how the club encountered both the challenges.

Challenge #1 – Funding the campaign

The initial estimation for the total budget of the entire campaign was INR 300,000 (including added expenses due to bio bubble venue). It looked impossible to arrange sponsors in such a short time. Hence, the management staff and players themselves decided to contribute according to their spending capacities to fulfil their dreams of playing an AIFF official league. There was a psychological aspect involved in this strategy as well. As players contributed, they were even more motivated to perform and play better. Secondly, the club started a crowdfunding campaign. In a span of just 10 days, they accumulated almost INR 60,000 from 36 supporters based throughout India and abroad. Thirdly, kind gesture from drkamlesh.com to become their sleeves sponsor provided just enough thrust to ensure the participation.

Challenge #2 – Fielding a competitive squad

Due to COVID and last-minute injuries to the major players, IUFC were forced to recruit some players to field a competitive squad for the league. Giving priority to the future of Indian football and footballers in India, the management team decided to sign young (under 20) players who prefer experience and exposure over extravagant salaries. Another reason to select youngsters was that they are relatively easy to manage and always eager to learn new things. In a condensed time, the club launched a recruitment drive and asked interested players to fill up a Google form. Their marketing campaign accompanied with support from major football related social media platforms like sportik, IFTWC and footballcounter, they were able to generate a database of over 1000 players. Then they shortlisted players based on their playing positions, experience, and availability. Shortlisted players were recruited based on scout reports and open trials.

Competition results

All the matches of the league were telecasted live with commentary on the official YouTube and Facebook channels of Sportscast India. The team performed exceptionally in 5 matches out of total 7. In the opening fixture, they took a 1-0 lead in the first half against a team that was playing a division higher last season, Rajasthan Perfect FC (formally called as AU Rajasthan FC). However, IUFC lost the match 2-1 with a debatable penalty decision by the referee in the last two minutes of the match. In the third match lost 1-0 to Neerja Modi FA, former champions of The Amateur League (TAL). In their fifth game against Zinc Academy, the team played a very disciplined and competitive game, yet succumbed to 2-1 loss against the eventual champions. The last game was against Royal FC, a team comprising the best players of the state (including some Santosh Trophy players). The boys of Islands United Football Club played the game of their lives to defeat Royal FC 1-0 and hence concluding the club’s maiden R-League A division campaign with our maiden victory in the Fourth division of Indian Football System. Though they finished at the bottom of the league with 4 points in 7 matches, they ended the campaign with a commitment that Islands United Football Club will be back next season stronger and better.

Appreciation and success on social media

“It’s good to see the two teams playing the ball on the ground, trying to play the ball between the lines. That is the kind of football we want to see as football purists.”,

– comments Joel on the first game of the campaign.

The gameplay of Islands United FC received great appreciation by the commentator, fans, Rajasthan Football Association, and fellow football clubs. Mainly playing in a low block 5-4-1 formation, the team enjoyed less possession but was lethal in counterattack and set pieces. “We wanted to keep matches competitive through defensive discipline, unity in the team and unparallel work rate by the players” said Founder and Manager, Shrey Upadhyay.

The club’s social media received massive traction in the last 30 days (4 July-4 Aug 2021).

● 41.4% increase in followers
● 355% increase in accounts reached (total 7,164 accounts reached)
● 1,650% increase in story interactions
● 944% increase in content interactions (total 5,703 content interactions)
● 924% increase in post interactions (total 5,367 post interactions)
● 1778 YouTube views
● 15.35% increase in YouTube Subscribers (total 118 new subscribers)

Despite all the success, the club is still short of the INR 300,000, the amount required to reach break even point for the club’s R League 2021 campaign. If you like what IUFC are doing and want to contribute below are the details.

UPI – islandsuntiedfc@okhdfcbank

Gpay – 7737988777

For bank transfers, payment using credit/debit cards and international payments, feel free to DM IUFC on their social media channels. Alternatively, email at– [email protected]

You can also buy the club’s official merchandise and help them financially. To get the product catalogue and pricelists at your emails, please email at- [email protected] or visit their social media @islandsunitedfc

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Twitter

Links to their R-League matches are as follows-

Islands United FC vs Rajasthan Perfect FC

Islands United FC vs Jaipur Elite FC

Islands United FC vs Neerja Modi FA

Islands United FC vs Brothers United FC

Islands United FC vs Zinc Academy

Islands United FC vs Rajasthan Untied FC

Islands United FC vs Royal FC

IUFC’s core committee (graduates from foreign universities

Shrey Upadhyay (Founder)

Parth Upadhyay (Head of Finance)

Vansh Srivastava (Head of Media and Marketing)

The post Banswara based Islands United Football Club aims towards Building a sustainable model for smaller teams appeared first on Football Counter.

]]>
https://www.footballcounter.com/2021/building-a-sustainable-model-for-smaller-teams-aims-banswara-based-islands-united-football-club/feed/ 0
Nine year old, Chandan Boro, son of a sweeper on his way to Germany for football training. https://www.footballcounter.com/2016/nine-year-old-chandan-boro-son-of-a-sweeper-on-his-way-to-germany-for-football-training/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2016/nine-year-old-chandan-boro-son-of-a-sweeper-on-his-way-to-germany-for-football-training/#respond Wed, 10 Aug 2016 14:10:04 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=20672   While most of us grief about the tiny bit struggle in our life, Chandan Boro, nine-year old is a big ray of inspiration for all of us. Belonging to...

The post Nine year old, Chandan Boro, son of a sweeper on his way to Germany for football training. appeared first on Football Counter.

]]>
image

 

While most of us grief about the tiny bit struggle in our life, Chandan Boro, nine-year old is a big ray of inspiration for all of us. Belonging to Harisinga town of Assam’s Udalguri district, where people struggle with poverty and survive in harsh conditions. Chandan, son of a sweeper, has been selected to the residential football camp of German Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim.

Chandan got selected at Kokrajhar Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in June by the Tata Trust, Mumbai under the Football Development Program in partnership with U Sports, Mumbai, and Germany under U Dream Football for selection of budding Under 15 football talents. In a few weeks, he will be travelling to Bitburg in Germany to pursue his dream and passion.

Residing beside Harisinga Railway Chandan’s father sweeps a marketplace and his mother who works as a helping hand in a local tea stall. Also, a die-hard fan of North East United FC, he got his training from Harisinga Football Coaching Centre (HFCC).

He is a wonder boy with the ball. Believed to have amazing dribbling style and swift in his moves. Chandan’s achievement has inspired the girls to take up the sport.

The post Nine year old, Chandan Boro, son of a sweeper on his way to Germany for football training. appeared first on Football Counter.

]]>
https://www.footballcounter.com/2016/nine-year-old-chandan-boro-son-of-a-sweeper-on-his-way-to-germany-for-football-training/feed/ 0
Dare to Dream series – Episode 3: Interviewing Ridge D’Mello https://www.footballcounter.com/2016/dare-to-dream-series-episode-3-interviewing-ridge-dmello/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2016/dare-to-dream-series-episode-3-interviewing-ridge-dmello/#respond Tue, 26 Jul 2016 10:09:07 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=18970 With the new season of MSSA (Mumbai Schools Sports Association) underway, we take a look at a 14 year old bright prospect who has already made his name in the...

The post Dare to Dream series – Episode 3: Interviewing Ridge D’Mello appeared first on Football Counter.

]]>
With the new season of MSSA (Mumbai Schools Sports Association) underway, we take a look at a 14 year old bright prospect who has already made his name in the U-14 Indian side, and is surely looking to do same when representing Sacred Heart Boys High School in the 3rd division of MSSA U-16.

Ridge D’Mello was an integral part of Mumbai Rush Soccer Club (MRSC) who worked for the betterment of developing players across the city of dreams. Ridge joined the academy in 2012 and soon impressed everyone by bagging the title of best player at Mumbai Rush Champions League 2012.

“I was inspired and elated. I knew that I had made my family proud. I believe nothing is impossible if you believe in god & I had always prayed for that moment.

I can’t forget the coaching and facilities I received from my school coach AP Rodrigues, and of course the Rush Academy coaches George Sir & Mitch Sir, all of whom have been my inspiration and support,” Ridge told to Footballcounter regarding his early days in MRSC, back in 2012.

Earlier this year, Ridge also went on to captain Mumbai and Maharashtra in the Sub Juniors Tournament where he was Mumbai’s top scorer, and also helped them to reach the final.

Ridge is feted not only for his talent but also for his beliefs in god and other values. “Well my whole life has revolved around my faith in god & my passion for football. Everytime I step on the field I ask god to help and guide me to do my best. Everything else falls in place after that, I am proud that I have accomplish all these things at such a young age,” Ridge said.

Ridge’s breakthrough came when he was named in the U-14 side of Indian team for the AFC Football Festival, which was held in Tajikistan. Representing your country at such a young age is nothing more than a huge accomplishment for anyone.

“It was a heartrending movement because I have always wanted to represent my country at an International level .Just wearing the AIFF jersey took me to another level as I have always looked forward to that moment .The memory of representing India will always be etched in my mind for years to come,” Ridge proudly described the moment he always dreamt of.

Ridge also admitted how his school has played a huge role in maturing him as a player and as a responsible person. “I am very nostalgic about studying in Sacred Heart because my dad has studied there and he has always sung praises about how beautiful that school is .Without the support of the principal, teachers, my coaches, my fellow team members, I would be an ordinary player.”

Apart from mentioning his school, Ridge didn’t even took a single second to mention his parent’s role in his development. “My parents always had the faith that I will someday represent my country, they have moulded me, guided me and encouraged me on my journey called Football,” Ridge told.

When asked about his inspirational figure, Ridge smiled and concluded the interview by saying: “There were three people who inspired me, Messi, Messi & Messi.”

Ridge is just 14, and has his whole life in front of him to conquer his dream. If the same dedication, passion and the love for football stays intact for Ridge, surely in the coming years he would be the one to emerge as India’s next big thing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post Dare to Dream series – Episode 3: Interviewing Ridge D’Mello appeared first on Football Counter.

]]>
https://www.footballcounter.com/2016/dare-to-dream-series-episode-3-interviewing-ridge-dmello/feed/ 0
Dare to Dream series- Episode 2 : Interviewing Pushkar Banger, an Unsung hero https://www.footballcounter.com/2016/dare-to-dream-episode-2-interviewing-pushkar-banger-an-unsung-hero/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2016/dare-to-dream-episode-2-interviewing-pushkar-banger-an-unsung-hero/#respond Sat, 05 Mar 2016 16:25:35 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=16409 In our 2nd episode of the ‘Dare to Dream’ Series we have managed to reach all the way to Germany interviewing Pushkar Banger. Pushkar is one of those jewels of...

The post Dare to Dream series- Episode 2 : Interviewing Pushkar Banger, an Unsung hero appeared first on Football Counter.

]]>
In our 2nd episode of the ‘Dare to Dream’ Series we have managed to reach all the way to Germany interviewing Pushkar Banger. Pushkar is one of those jewels of Indian football who has gone from scratch to playing in the 5th division league in Germany and his impressive performances have hinted for a trial for the 3rd division.  What happens there is a different story but we at Football Counter have yet again managed to unearth a jewel.

Pushkar Banger started playing football at the age of 13. At that time he could not get into a proper club or had a proper field to play on like most of them do. When he took the decision of pursuing football as a profession everyone opposed his decision and had negative remarks to all of this. But with time he was able to convince his parents and today as you all can see, it is a completely different scenario. Pushkar trained himself and went for numerous trials. He has played the U-19 nationals for Haryana , Santosh Trophy for Haryana. His first professional contract came with former I-league  champions Churchill Brothers. After they were discarded from the I-league, Pushkar switched to PIFA Colaba on laon. There he met coach Nirvan Shah who was instrumental in spotting his talent and taking his career to a different level. Pushkar Banger was called up for the trials by SV Memmelsdorf playing the 5th Division in Germany. His hardwork and perseverance paid off and he was selected to play for the German club for the 2015-16 season which he joined in Jan. Here is the interview with the boy himself who has set an example for everyone in India

 

Q) Describe your current club where you are playing, SV Memmelsdorf?

A) SV Memmelsdorf was formed in the year 1923. It is situated in Bamberg, in the State of Bavaria. The best club of the state is Bayern Munich. This club has also played in DFB Pokal Cup, the German cup.

Q)How are the facilities in your current club SV Memmelsdorf?

A)Awesome is the word to describe them. They have 5 fields and a good strength of coaching staff. The club has 2 teams and I must say the level is quite high. It is whole new level. The practise sessions are intense, the dedication levels are immense.

Q) How has PIFA Colaba as a club been for your international selections and overall progress as a football player?

A)PIFA gives very good opportunities to young players and a chance to showcase their talent in front of major scouts in India. I-league scouts for example. The structure of the club is brilliant. It is truly one of the giants in Mumbai and the number of players that have taken their career to a whole new level  through PIFA is there to be seen.

Q) How will you describe Nirvan Shah’s impact on your career?

A)Nirvan Sir has been the most important figure in my football career. I was in Churchill brothers before joining PIFA. He is the one who gave me a break. I played my first professional game under him. The way he motivates the players and sticks with them in tough times makes him extra special.

Q) Who has been your role model throughout your football career?

A)) Frankly speaking my father has been my role model throughout my career. He is fighting cancer from the past 10 years and he is alive just to see me at the biggest stage of football. I work hard daily to make this dream come true.

Q) Describe the best moment of your career?

A) When i scored my first goal two days back in practice match, I can say is my best moment of my career yet. After scoring I literally cried and could possibly see the flashback of my struggles i went through to get here.

Q) If Pushkar was not a footballer? Which sport would he pursue?

A) 100m sprit or Taekwondo

Q) You are playing in the fifth division there in Germany? Do you think you can make it to a higher league in German football?

A) There are scouts over here to observe the players and I have an agent who really believes in me and the performances I have given so far. According to him a trail will be arranged soon. So I am hoping for the best and will keep working hard.

This was an amazing interview considering the odds Pushkar has overcome to get here. He also described the state of his family. His father being diagnosed with cancer, on a wheel chair fighting a grueling battle with life. Pushkar’s mom and himself are the ones who run the family spending sleepless nights. This did not stop him from pursuing football. He has spent sleepless nights taking care of his father and gone for training early in the morning, sometimes afternoon. Sometimes all three times of the day which is spectacular. As the interview came to an end an Pushkar also stated being pulled down by local players on motivation. Being told that foreign players were on a higher level and that Indian players could never get there motivated him to prove them wrong even more. Before ending it he was very quick to point out the fact that along with fulfilling his dad’s dream, Pushkar also wants the entire world to respect his country’s credentials and not consider India as some third world country. This story surely is for the ones who need motivation in this sport called football. It is a beautiful game and trust me, we at Football Counter are driven to cover these stories of unsung heroes who are stand out from the rest. And those who have left a mark but have not been noticed!!!

I am sure everyone reading this wishes Pushkar Banger all the very best for his future!!. Everyone at Football Counter would like to thank Mr Nirvan Shah and PIFA Colaba for encouraging us to interview him and tell his story to the world.

 

The post Dare to Dream series- Episode 2 : Interviewing Pushkar Banger, an Unsung hero appeared first on Football Counter.

]]>
https://www.footballcounter.com/2016/dare-to-dream-episode-2-interviewing-pushkar-banger-an-unsung-hero/feed/ 0
Dare to Dream series- Episode 1 : Interviewing Aditi Shetty https://www.footballcounter.com/2016/dare-to-dream-series-episode-1-interviewing-aditi-shetty/ https://www.footballcounter.com/2016/dare-to-dream-series-episode-1-interviewing-aditi-shetty/#respond Wed, 02 Mar 2016 13:13:38 +0000 http://www.footballcounter.com/?p=16331 2 months of being a content writer for Football Counter and Mumbai FC, I felt it was not enough. I have had this zeal for sports since i was 9...

The post Dare to Dream series- Episode 1 : Interviewing Aditi Shetty appeared first on Football Counter.

]]>
2 months of being a content writer for Football Counter and Mumbai FC, I felt it was not enough. I have had this zeal for sports since i was 9 years old. A month ago I interviewed Tim Henman and realised i had a knack of interviewing. So looking at the young football players in the country i felt the need to talk to them motivate them and set up a platform to show their talent and ability to everyone around the world. ‘Dare to Dream’ is my very original series where i will be interviewing local football players and what better than to start with Women, with young girls who have gone out of the way to pursue football. In our very first Episode of ‘Dare to Dream’ we had 16 year old Aditi Shetty from (Dahisar) Mumbai, talking to us about her 8 years as a football player. On how she has managed personal and professional life and her role models who have helped her reach the levels today. One of the stars to watch out for. In the photo you see Aditi Shetty dribble past three players.

 

Q1) Tell us something about yourself?

A1) Hi, my name is Aditi Shetty and I am 16 years old. I have been playing football from the age of 8. So first it was like I was almost a tom boy and I never liked playing with dolls and I always played with cars. Since I have a twin brother I was habituated to being brought up like that. But my brother played football with his friends and he got irritated if I wanted to play or if I played. I am a hyperactive child from the time I was very small. In school we had football and also in my building the sport that got me excited was football. So like that and then my brother’s stupid behaviour (laughs) encouraged me to play football all the more.

 

Q2) You started playing football since the age of 8, how was your parents look out towards this?

A2) Actually they have supported me for everything no matter what. There are some parents who don’t understand their kids to that extent and restrict them to certain things. But my parents have never acted like that with me and have let me do whatever I want. Even though I was a tom boy, they never hit me but were always supportive saying, “It’s your life. Do whatever you want.” But when I went out of the way that’s when they came in and guided me. Stopped me from going off-track.

Q3) Which is your preferred position in the team? You mentioned being an aggressive player. What all positions have you played in for the team?

A3) I am a very versatile player. Because when I started playing football I played in the Forward’s position then I moved back to midfield and I stuck there because I have a lot of energy when I play. Tireless running is something which I bring to my team. When you are a midfielder on the flanks, you have to do a lot of running like linking up with the forward line going forward and then having to track back to help out the defence when the opposition is attacking. When you are counter attacking you need a lot of energy to run the entire field so I have always preferred midfield and that depends if its centre, right or left anywhere I can play. So right midfield is very I have played most of the games and the centre mid position is somewhere I can play as well because I have the ability to control the game feeding the ball to the forwards. In the Indian camp, they played me as a defender. Also played a few matches as goalkeeper when needed.

Q4) Your first achievement since you started playing football came at the age of 11 i.e 3 years after you got the zeal to play. It was at the District level. Describe that moment?

A4)It was very exciting and I was nervous at the same time. Whenever I get onto the field I have that nervousness. But with time I overcome it. But this was the time I was very excited because we played U12 and U14 and when you play with players elder to you then you get to learn a lot and the feeling is good. So there is an overall progress.

Q5) Talk us through that moment when you were selected for the Under 14 camp in the Indian team at Kerala?

A5)I was very sad because I didn’t get in. Because when you know you deserve something but you don’t get it, it’s heart-breaking. But I motivated myself and the people around me gave me lots of positive energy and told me not to give up, I had made it among the top 23 players who were selected. That is when I realised that what I had achieved was quite a big thing and others haven’t even reached till there. Some people don’t even get to for camps even though they are good.

Q6) Describe your span you spent in school how were the facilities at the level? How were the coaches impact to your progress at the mere age of 11?

A6)First of all we don’t have a proper ground. We have a concrete ground and that’s the worst thing because we need to get the feel of the studs on grass. And what we have in school is concrete ground with turf so that’s exactly opposite. Because in grass your leg goes down while in concrete it remains still. Even the way the ball bounces on concrete or grass or mud is so very different. But we were quick to adapt to these conditions and we kept winning. So our coaches recognized that and then the type of ground did not matter.We started coming regularly for practices from Monday to Friday and then we had to rush to school. So all the attention was very good better than what many people get. So I was very satisfied by that.

Q7)All throughout your journey who has been your role model both in your personal as well as professional life?

A7)It has never been stuck to one person. It keeps changing and that person is always there in my mind. I think of my mom, she has done a lot for me from the time I have started playing football until now she has spent a lot of whatever I required. Some parents tell their kids to give up on playing. In 10th std, I had my India camp and I was away from home for 3 months. Still my mom supported me and I coped up managing to get 88.4%. After every India camp I have cried as to how I will cope up. But my mom and my dad have always been positive, supportive and helped me over the line. Second is my coach Sir Luke Rosario, he has always supported us in our professional career. We get a lot of offers from clubs he tell us what to do and what not to do. When you change clubs your impression  amongst the people changes. So he has guided us well teaching us how to communicate with people who get those offers for us and how not to become complacent. Luke sir has always told us to be a down to earth person. Then there is Dominic Sir who has been there with since I was in 7th He was with me from the time I went to India camp. When I started going to Maharashtra camp that is when I got the best coach of my life. Durva mam has been the best coach I ever had, she has never shouted on us. And all of my previous coaches are very attached to me. Sometimes you get attached to your coaches, she’s almost getting there. She is my idol because she taken up football as a living. She’s a coach and that’s how she has earned her living because in India it becomes tough to earn a living through football. So in my professional career, I look up to her because when I think of myself whether pursuing football will help me earn a living I think of her. And to be honest she has been a major presence in my life, in my professional life to be honest.

Q8) How has criticism from the people impacted you footballing journey all throughout these 8 years?

A8)People know what levels I have reached and those people don’t have the guts to say something to my face. They have never told anything to my mom as well. Because when my mom looks back she can proudly say that my daughter managed to excel both in her studies and her professional football career and has balanced it quite well. Also my mom told me not to think about what others say because you are not doing it for someone else nor are those people doing something for you. You have to live your own life

Q9) Aditi, you have won three consecutive MSSA titles in your school career? Tell us more about those three glorious years?

A9)Nothing in life is easy but when you work hard and when you believe in yourself it becomes all the more possible. So in the 1st year we had better training sessions, better coaches and we felt like working hard and then we won our first title  But the next 2 years we won one was U14 and the other U16 , our team was the most dominant. I am not even boasting but every team used to be scared of us. There was Dhirubai Ambani side, we always had to meet them in the finals so both our teams were so fierce while playing and it was a neck to neck competition. We knew that we had won the title before and that our opponents also had a clue of it so winning it for the first time was an advantage for us. The three consecutive titles have been an amazing achievement for the entire team,

Q10) Coming very close to getting into the Indian team i.e Under-14 camp in 2011 and U-16 camp in 2013 only to be in the reserves. Tell us how you stop yourself from demotivated at this point of time?

A10)So during the U14 camp if they had taken 23 players, I would be in but then they took only 18 so I was on standby. And the recent camp they took 23 but I was in the top 27 so again standby. So I missed by some margins. Both the camps I have gone to, I have learnt a lot. In fact the closer I was in U14 the more closer I came in U16. I can guarantee that if they selected 23 players, I would have been number 24. So all I told myself is not look at anyone on the field. Don’t see who the coach is putting in instead of you. All those negative points are harmful for the overall progress. So you have to be positive all the time. I used to tell myself not to be nervous and give my 100%. But then the change I have seen in those years has been spectacular. And I have never let myself to get demotivated.

Q11) We had an interview with coach Durva Vahia mam. She has set the standard for the Women’s game and is an inspiration to many young girls and women pursuing football. Describe her impact on your football career?

A11)  We had our last match against Jharkhand and we played total 5 matches and I didnt play any of those five matches in the starting 11 and I totally respect her for that. Sometimes you feel you deserve it more but then the coach knows whom to put in and whom not to put it. So i was thinking this is the last match and she still has not started me what has gone wrong?.And after the team went in to play she told me that i am a smart player and I want you to go in and change the game when needed. So thats when you know what the person thinks about you. She lifted me up and i had that confidence again. See I told you i get nrevous during the start of the game and if you dont go in you get more nervous and then that gets you standard of playing more down unknowingly. She always told us that we were quick to adapt to all the things she taught. And that one moment where she called me a smart player is one of the best moments with her. She has always motivated us no matter what the circumstances are. Durva mam is a motivation not only to me but also for all the team members because everyone has expressed their gratitude for her encouragement in reaching that level in their career/ Everyone is really happy we got a coach like her and she is the perfect person for any player o have by their sides

Q12) Do you see Women’s football coming up in India? But first in Mumbai as well?

A12)Yes, it is coming up. When you play for clubs, you also have private tournaments as well. In school we have three tournaments. MSSA and DSO are the major two. If we win and get to that level we play for city level then district level. If we reach the top at district level we get into the state team. If you get to the state team our coach told us they could push 5-6 players for selections. The goood thing is you know you have worked hard, practised daily, dreamt of it and they finally achieved it. So the more the number of tournaments, the more competition there will be and that’s how Women’s football will come up more.

Q13) Describe your training sessions? How do you maintain your fitness? And also tell us how do you balance your studies as well as football practise?

A13) In early 10th standard days I practised daily. After that I used to study at night. The breaks I took were breakfast, lunch and dinner. I am a couch potato and I have to watch TV (laughs). When I had my 10th boards I did not go to practise and this was my daily schedule. Almost 4-5 months I could not go because I knew I had missed those months because of India camp and had to cope up. So I sat at home and managed all of this. In 11th std I have practised every day. It’s a bit chilled out and you can pass studying one day before the exam as well. So now I practise every morning for an hour, comeback and eat. Then go to college, after coming back home I go down for a walk to get some fresh air. So that’s how my entire day goes. On weekends I go to these private club training. Dominic sir conducts them. So 1 week to Dominic Sir’s practise sessions and 1 week in IFS. If you realise I have practised everyday. Since we have our sports starting, Sir has told us to get some rest because you cannot continuously practise, your body needs rest to get rejuvenated again.

Q14 ) Do you follow international Women’s football regularly?

A14) No, to be honest I don’t follow them regularly. Because most of the times you are not aware of the women’s fixtures. But I watch the Barclays Premier League games. And the finals I came to know after the match was over when USA won against Japan. So all that I try to know from the apps that we have these days on our phones. That’s it.

Q15) Where do you see yourself in the next 2-3 years?

A15) I think I have to train everyday to see myself at a better position. This year in May we have our India camp and if I keep working hard I will get to that level. In 2 or 3 years I will be a much better player and play for the Indian side.

Q16) How has the responsibility of a captain impacted your game that too at a very young age?

A16) I have been a captain in my school team. So let me tell you when you are a normal player and you are not a captain you are very friendly to your team mates. But when you are a captain you cannot fool around. How I talk to my very good friend Caren when I am off the field, we keep doing foolish things. But when I am a captain I will talk to her the same way I’l talk to everyone. First thing is that you treat everyone equally and you when you look at their flaws, one cannot tell them not to do this or that. Because you are the leader, you cannot poke your team mates constantly with their mistakes. And sometimes even I made mistakes, but then I realised them and apologised instantly because the other players are looking up to me. For example if I am the captain, I make some mistake ten times the other will mock me saying, “You’re the captain, your making these mistakes so why are you telling us.” You have to raise your awareness of playing well even when you are not a captain you have to play with 100% so that others around you are looking up to you be it the younger players or the elders. So being a captain has made me realise I cannot fool around and must take the responsibility to lead from the front.

Q17) If Aditi Shetty is not a footballer, then which sport would she pursue?

A17)I think probably Badminton. Because badminton is something I love to play. We never got the chance to play Badminton at school level. So if I had that opportunity at school level, I would definitely pursue Badminton if not Football.

Q18) What is your message for the little girls (little Aditi Shetty’s) wanting to pursue football?

A18) First of all I would like to tell their parents, like Durva mam as mentioned in her interview that parents always send their kids for Sports just as a hobby and when they reach 9th or 10th they stop it because they have to manage their studies. They stop sending them to camps. Many people don’t send their kids to selections. So for the parents all I want to say is allow you children to grow because of Sports as much as he/she can. When I get support from my parents I get motivated to play. So parents need to motivate their children to play so that it helps them reach the desired levels. For the little girls I want to say that they have to work hard. Football is very important and it has made me punctual compared to my other friends. Also it has made me disciplined like I don’t throw my clothes anywhere. So work hard, pursue atleast one sport because it makes you punctual, you learn the value of time and the discipline factor is incorporated. That’s how it helps.

Q19) What would you like to tell the readers, reading this interview on the ‘Dare to Dream’ series?

A19) I am very happy that Durva mam has given my name. I was feeling very inspired when I was reading her interview. So now when someone reads my interview even they might feel inspired. So this series is lifting me up. I am very happy that you people have taken this initiative. Not many sites do this. Any site you see has boys thing coming up. You literally have to type Maharashtra girls then something comes up. The media helps a lot to spread awareness and now even the parents will know that this thing is happening for girls. This is helping us a lot and I would like to thank you all a lot.

Everyone at Football Counter salutes the efforts put in by Aditi Shetty to pursue what she loves. Very few follow their heart. We wish you all the best for all your ventures in future and hope this time you surely get into the Indian team

 

The post Dare to Dream series- Episode 1 : Interviewing Aditi Shetty appeared first on Football Counter.

]]>
https://www.footballcounter.com/2016/dare-to-dream-series-episode-1-interviewing-aditi-shetty/feed/ 0