Football: Players are not born; they need to be created

A couple of years ago, AKM Maruful Haque, the only UEFA-A licensed football coach in Bangladesh, pointed out that there are hardly any opportunities for grassroots and youth football education in the country. As a result, when we get boys at the club and other levels, they have very little understanding of technical and tactical skills. This is not their fault; there is minimal emphasis on grassroots football in our structure. This is undoubtedly a significant issue. There aren't enough junior footballers coming up with proper football knowledge from the grassroots. While preparing a research paper on grassroots football, it became evident that Coach Maruf's statement is entirely accurate.

The reality is that there are no clear pathways for juniors to progress step-by-step to the senior level. This is a major obstacle in the country's football. Instead of solving problems, we are always sidestepping them. We view domestic football with the strength of foreigners. But foreigners do not represent the country—our own children do. This shows us where we stand. It's often said that there is a lack of experience, fine skills, and basic technique among our players. How can the national team expect anything from them? There is rarely any thought given to how they can reflect their abilities. There's a lack of urgent, planned work needed for them in the country's football. Players are not born; they need to be created.

There is no special method for age-based coaching in the country, where boys and girls can progress step by step. Ideally, they should move through the ranks of U-13, U-15, U-16, U-18, and U-19 to reach the senior teams. Here, a new team is often formed for each tournament. After the tournament, everyone goes back to their respective places, and no one keeps track of them. Sometimes, it's announced that those selected will receive special training after a competition, but the progress in this regard is never publicly disclosed.

This culture has persisted in the sports arena for ages. There is a comfort in going with the flow rather than initiating change. Football is evolving rapidly, with time and space being crucial. Players are stepping onto the field with a commitment to more speed, even aiming to outpace jets. This speed helps them create space on the field, which also needs to be filled with speed. Alongside speed, skill is equally important. This is the only path to excellence.

At the 'Football Asia' seminar in Hong Kong, many countries presented papers, and it was clear that most coaches are still searching for the perfect formula. Our football coaches, despite their sincerity, dedication, and desire, face limited opportunities. If we could all expand our thinking and believe in unity, we could have seen infrastructural improvements and increased scientific training opportunities over the years.

In every country, there are internal conflicts and different opinions among organizers. Despite this, they unite on various issues for national interests. In our sports arena, the lack of idealism is a barrier to development. Those who closely follow the country's sports and have observed the events of recent years know that it is often directionless. The organizers bear the most responsibility for this, due to their incompetence and failure to understand the sports landscape. The same obstacles have been present since the beginning. The prominence of individualism in the sports arena always poses a challenge.

Recently, the BFF Academy Championship final, organized by the Bangladesh Football Federation with financial support from FIFA, was held in Dhaka. Teams from 168 different regions participated. The final round took place in Dhaka after regional matches. Surprisingly, this important championship did not attract much attention from print and electronic media. Approximately 300 football academies are run through individual and collective initiatives and sponsorships in various parts of the country. These academies consistently supply players. The clubs rely on these academies to find new players.

The country's clubs do not run their own academies. The professional league teams do not comply with the requirement to establish academies and maintain youth teams. They have no particular plans or concerns for young players and only want to utilize them as needed. Recently, the professional league committee unanimously proposed that each team in the upcoming BPL football season must play at least one U-18 player in matches. This would give 10-11 young players the opportunity to play for different clubs in the professional league each year, enhancing their experience. Playing with good local and foreign senior players would boost their confidence.

Participation in competitive matches would improve their skills and techniques. One player getting the chance to play every year means that in five years, at least fifty skilled players would emerge. This would ensure no shortage of players in the national team's pipeline. Unfortunately, this proposal was rejected at the executive committee meeting of the football federation, despite unanimous agreement in the league committee meeting. The behavior and attitude of football organizers differ in different places. We do not know if the football federation will be able to hold the football academy championship regularly. However, if continued, it would not only revive the roots of football in the country but also benefit overall football.

Those running football academies far from Dhaka are silently doing an extraordinary job for the country. They need financial support more than recognition. These academies play the most effective role in the country's football. Can't corporate houses or commercial institutions support the country's most popular game's academies under their CSR programs? Grassroots development is essential for illuminating the football arena. Research shows that learning ceases around the age of 28 for players and athletes. Therefore, starting from a very young age is crucial. Countries advancing in football consistently follow this approach.

Author: Columnist and analyst. Former Senior Vice President AIPS Asia. Life Member Bangladesh Sports Press Association. Panel Writer Football Asia.