Maya Universe AcademyNetherlands

Can I kick it?

Umita Rai (grade 9) shares her experience with learning how to play football at Maya.

Football is the world’s most popular ball game. In my opinion, football can be defined as more than a team sport, it’s a family sport. Most people love football even though they don’t play. Many big and small players have come and gone on this planet. Among these, I am also one of the players who is still alive and kicking to change the world with my talents. I would like to share the wonderful experiences that I have had at Maya school, which have taught me to be who I am.

At first, I didn't even know what the word ‘football’ meant. When I came to Maya school, I started playing many games which included cricket, karate, football, etc. Among these games, football was the most interesting and active game that I learned how to play. I am not the only one who learned to play, there are lots who came here and learned many games and skills. All the opportunities and choices are provided equally to everyone. Girls and boys both play football and other sports at Maya Universe Academy. Among all the sports, the most popular one is football. We play in the morning and evening turn by turn.

When I took my first steps in Maya, I had many wonderful experiences. I started learning football with the senior students. I learned many skills by playing with them. Later on, I also got the chance to show my leadership as a football captain, which was a big responsibility. I was the one to lead the team when the coach was absent. This made me and my family so proud and my game improved so much. Slowly, we got older, and we got to participate in matches that were organized by Maya. Time kept passing and we kept doing what we needed to do.

As we grew in height, skills and competence, we started to participate in matches organized by larger football associations. This way, many people knew us just by playing football. Once, Gaighat Football Club (GFC) called me and my friend Jharna to play for the regional team. We traveled to another district and played against the local team there. We won and I earned Rs 550 because I scored the first goal. Our team and the coaches were so happy!

Girls are usually treated differently. For instance, in Nepal, there is huge discrimination between sons and daughters. Mostly, more priority is given to sons. I think that this way a society can never develop. We lose the thinking ability of half the population. So, I think sons and daughters should be treated equally and have the same opportunities. Both should be able to participate in any activities. At Maya, we are treated equally, so now I am grabbing every chance I get!