Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
6-year-old encourages more girls to play soccer
BY GIVING her all on the soccer field, 6-year-old Deeyana Kader hopes to inspire other girls to play. This is not only because it has taught her a lot but also because she enjoys it and it has allowed her to make new friends.
She started playing soccer at the age of 3 at Little Kickers.
“It is so much fun! I make new friends and I learn new ball skills. My coaches teach us in a fun way. I have learnt new tricks, how to play a match and also how to win. I have also learnt how to communicate and how to keep fit and healthy.
“I used to be the only girl on the team but now there are two other girls.
“I like the striker position because I can show the boys that girls can also play soccer,” Deeyana said.
Director of coaching at Little Kickers Cristiana da Costa said: “Little Kickers
sessions are structured to create a rounded, effective and comprehensive learning experience that exposes children to a variety of different football skills – dribbling, striking, defending, tactics etc.
“Little Kickers Classes also provides an opportunity to assist children’s early education, helping them develop physically as well as improving cognitive and social skills.”
Femida Mahomed, Deeyana’s mother, said there was an opportunity to bridge the gender gap by promoting participation in a sport that allowed kids to participate on an equal footing.
“Younger children have the capability to overlook traditional gender roles and this raises their confidence to participate as equals.
“Little Kickers’s approach to learning a sport in a gender-neutral environment is great for self-development and confidence building in this age group,” she said.