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.