BookASmile, the charity initiative of India’s leading entertainment destination – BookMyShow, has partnered with Jharkhand-based NGO, YUWA, to extend support to 12 aspiring football coaches.
The group is currently in Spain as part of a two-week Advance Level Training Football Program at one of the most premier football academies in the world, Real Sociedad. The coaches are being directly trained by the players of the academy, which is one of the most popular clubs playing at La Liga, the Spanish football league.
The training program has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the tactical & management skills of the selected aspiring coaches, who will, in turn, use their learning and experiences to train the teams back in India. This is the second such collaboration between BookASmile and YUWA who have come together to elevate the training experience of these young footballers. The 12 selected trainees coach 180 girls as also mentor and guide other football coaches for YUWA, indirectly having a daily impact on 450 young girls.
“Sport plays a crucial role in reinforcing the importance of essential personal attributes like discipline, sportsmanship, and team spirit. At BookASmile, we believe in giving back to the society, in ways that improve the overall personality of children and by providing international experiences like these, we are glad to aid the process and enrich the lives of these talented individuals. The future lies in the hands of these potential leaders and bringing significant change in their lives and society at large is our constant endeavor”, said Farzana Cama Balpande, Head – BookASmile.
YUWA co-founder, coach, and executive director Franz Gastler said, “While society teaches girls to fit in, Yuwa coaches girls to stand out. With long-standing support from BookASmile, we’re thrilled for our coaches to have the opportunity to train with a world-class La Liga team. The group of ten young women and two men will be taking their experience back to over 450 girls playing every day in 9 villages in Jharkhand.”
Kusum Kumari, a 17-year-old football player, coach, and student at YUWA said, “I have traveled abroad to play matches and public speaking before but this is my first visit overseas to learn to coach. I’m excited to understand how we can structure our football sessions practically on the ground, from Real Sociedad. I hope to apply my learnings from Spain to my team at Yuwa.”
The group’s training is being held at San Sebastian, Spain, from February 22nd to March 11th, 2019.
