Football fever takes over the Academy

The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad concluded its first ever international football camp at the end of the two-week vacation. 79 students from grades 5-11 took part in the residential camp between 8^th-18^th October. Heading the camp were four seasoned coaches from Canada and the UK. The aim of the camp was to advance footballing ability in students and also instil values to carry into their careers.

“This camp has been an inspirational experience,” said head coach Karim Jaffer, “To be able to give back to the community and to work with the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad is a privilege and an honour.” Visiting coaches for camp this year were Karim Jaffer, head coach of team England at Jubilee Games 2016; Moise Gulamhusein, head coach of team UK (Ladies) at Jubilee Games 2016; Amyn Bhulji, founder of the Ismaili Youth Football Club, Canada; and Hanif Ladha, an Ontario Soccer Association certified coach.

At camp, students began their day with morning training on the fields. These sessions were focused on passing, ball control and conditioning. Senior students would reconvene after breakfast for classroom sessions where they learnt strategy of the game. This was followed by an afternoon training session, which concluded with everyone’s favourite, small-sided football matches.

“Running a camp at the Academy is a dream come true,” said coach Amyn. The camp's senior most coach, Amyn, is spending his retirement years travelling to different countries, organising football camps for children from diverse backgrounds. “A camp like this is an excellent opportunity for students; this is the type of training that motivates and prepares students to get scholarships at the university level.”

A few days into camp, it was common to see students arriving very early to training and coaches having to coax them off the field at the end of session. “There is a passion for the sport here,” observed coach Hanif. “I can tell some of these students will be excellent players.” Hanif worked closely with grades 10 and 11, some of the more experienced players at camp. His focus was on their tactical understanding and leadership skills. “Working with coach Hanif was very rewarding,” says Rahil Jivani, grade 11. “He is a demanding coach and brings the best out of us.”

“Moise challenges us in training and really motivates us,” shared Iqra Jiwani, grade 8. “These two weeks have made me more confident on and off the ball.” An English Football Association certified coach, Moise primarily trained girls of grades 7-11.  The Academy U16 and U18 girls’ teams finished second at the recent interschool sports competition held at the Academy at the beginning of October, and perhaps the experience from this camp will carry them through the finals next year. “I’m grateful that our girls got to train under Moise who has experience coaching women’s teams,” says Ravi Kumar, head of sports at the Academy. “This was a great opportunity to give students exposure to international coaching.”

Visiting coaches had never worked together before, but many students assumed they were old friends. “We are all from different backgrounds but we are all passionate about football and how it should be played and enjoyed,” says Moise. “We’ve gotten along like a house on fire; like we’ve known each other for years!”

Participating students received specially designed Aga Khan Academy Football Club (AKAFC) shirts to mark the continuing spirit of football in the Academy. Students got to participate in the design process of the AKAFC logo. As our coaches prepare to leave, anticipation for the next instalment of this camp is already building. “Camp was great. I cannot wait to do this again next year,” said Iqra.

Written by Ajay Sundaram