For the first time in Kazakhstan,
a mothers’ football team has been created. They usually play the role of the
main supporters of their children during matches. But this time, it’s
different. In the stands, girls and boys anxiously keep their fingers crossed
for their athletic mothers.
Ainur Izbaskanova enrolled her
son in a football club. As a child, she loved playing football with other kids
in the yard, but as she grew older, her passion for sports faded. However,
watching her son play reignited her passion for football, and she decided to
join the team. Like her son, she took on the role of a forward.
«Frankly, when I watch children
play in various competitions and tournaments as a spectator and a fan, it makes
me want to play football myself,» Izbaskanova shared.
Kulyash Mankiyeva also got
interested in football watching her child. She plays as a fullback, responsible
for defense and preventing opponents from making dangerous passes, while also
joining the attack. In her professional life, the woman holds an equally
responsible position as the deputy director of the school for educational work.
She spends most of her time at the educational institution, and her free time
on the football field.
«Honestly, at first, I was
scared. I was afraid of the ball and kept worrying about how I would manage to
play. Now, I see that those fears were unnecessary. After each training
session, I have special feelings, such as invigoration when I get home. I do regret
missing a few practices in the past because I ended up missing out on a lot,»
Mankiyeva said.
The idea to create such an
unusual football team belongs to Zhanerke Perme. The former player of the
Kazakhstan women’s national football team used to train only schoolchildren. To
unite the mothers of these children, she decided to start the club.
«We have not practiced a strategy
with the parents yet. As a coach, I believe that now, everyone is focusing on
offense rather than defense. Some of the mothers confidently score goals during
practice while others skillfully perform feints to outwit their opponents,
which indicates their good grasp of the game. The parents’ attitudes towards
football have improved significantly. Initially, they did not understand what
football was or its purpose. Now, they are fully committed to the game,» Perme
noted.
According to school principal
Gulzhan Toleu, 4,500 students are enrolled at the educational institution, most
of whom are involved in the football club. Nevertheless, the schedule includes
time convenient for training the team of mothers, who have been honing their
skills on the field for the second month. They will soon represent Kazakhstan
in international championships for mothers. One of the tournaments will be held
in Russia.
