Former Espanyol striker Anair Lomba and LaLiga ambassador is confident about the future of the sport in the country, especially for young and aspiring girls. She is currently in India, working with the budding girl footballers of our country in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. She caught up with Sports Tak during a press meet, along with La Liga India's Managing Director Jose Antonio Cachaza.
“I think India is on the right path in terms of women’s football. India is doing very well, particularly at the grassroots level. The U-17 World Cup which happened in India last year was a very good initiative, as it helps to create role models and provides inspiration for youngsters,” said Lomba, who is working with these aspiring footballers in what is the country’s first full-fledged residential academy for girls.
Lomba has been left pleasantly surprised by the motivation and talent that is on display at the academy, and with some improvements to coaching techniques, India can move in the right direction. “I am surprised by the talent levels of players here and impressed with the motivation on display here. After observing the players here, we feel we can improve our coaching techniques and lessons to keep going in the desired direction,” said the 33-year-old Lomba.
LaLiga India is working with the Vicente Ferrer Foundation’s Rural Development Trust (RDT), a first of its kind in the country. Together, they have built a residential academy at the Anantapur Sports Village. Given LaLiga's history of helping countries build their footballing building it from the grassroots level, this association has lasted for six years and has evolved immensely.
“In every country, we have a presence, we try to cooperate with the grassroots level football project. In the case of India, RDT’s deep connection with Spain made it easier for us to establish a relationship. We began our association with RDT six years ago, beginning with providing jerseys and kits. Now it has evolved into the running of the first women-only residential football academy in India,” Jose said.
Meanwhile, Lomba also said that financial struggles should not deter an aspiring footballer from pursuing a career in football. Sharing a message for the parents of these young girls, she said. "The main thing is to educate the parents through the kids. This is just a game. Although you can be a professional, it is important to study.
I was a professional player but I continued my study as it was important to me. Hence both football and study can continue together and financial struggle shouldn't come in the way of it. The players have immense talent, they just need to focus," the Spanish footballer added while talking about her own life.
(PC: Anaïr Lomba Instagram)
