DARJEELING,: The Hills, long renowned for producing
State and national-level footballers in the male category, are now making
strides in women’s football as well. Recently, three girls from the region were
part of the West Bengal team that secured bronze medal at the National Games
held in Uttarakhand.
The three players, all aged 19, are
Palmu Tamang from Mirik, and Sushanna Rai and Supriya Gurung from Kalimpong. A
common thread between them is the Kalimpong-based Debanjan Share Girls’ Academy
(DSGA), where they are currently training.
According to DSGA executive member
Norden Michael Lepcha, the Hills hold immense potential for producing talented
female footballers. “The success of these three girls at the National Games is
just the tip of the iceberg. There is abundant raw talent among children in the
Hills, and with proper training, many more can reach the state and national
levels. Our academy identifies promising players through trials and equips them
with technical skills. We are hopeful that more girls will make it to higher levels
in the near future,” he said.
The DSGA, the only fully residential
girls’ football academy in West Bengal, was established in September 2021 as an
initiative of the Kolkata-based Debanjan Sen Foundation (DSF) and the
Kalimpong-based Share Football Club (SFC). The academy currently houses 22
girls, providing them with free football training, accommodation, food, and
education scholarships.
Lepcha also noted a shift in perception
regarding women’s football in the Hills. “Initially, many parents hesitated to
enrol their daughters, especially the younger ones, in our academy. However,
attitudes have changed, and we now have trainees as young as 13. Many of these
girls come from remote areas of the Hills, Terai and Dooars,” he explained.
He further highlighted the growing
opportunities for women footballers, both in terms of government job prospects
through the sports quota and chances to play for international clubs for those
who pursue football professionally. With more girls’ football tournaments being
organized in recent years, the future of women’s football in the Hills looks
increasingly promising.
