“A very nice goal,” coach Eyup Yucesan chants across the field. One of the girls on the field has just put the ball into the goal. The fun and enthusiasm clearly shine through. After two months, the eight girls on the field have developed quickly, Yucesan explains. “Most have never been members of a sports or football club,” he says.
Due to their background, this is not common. But here is the first girls’ team within the municipality of Emmen, which consists entirely of girls with a migration or Islamic background. And that is quite special.
Last year, NOS and Trouw reported on the fact that girls with a non-Western background participate in less sports than their peers. Sometimes it’s a lack of time and money. But often also because they do not feel sufficiently trusted or safe. Or because of the presence of men.
In the case of this team, which is housed at FC Meerdijk (the joint youth department of SC Angelslo and vv Emmen), these hurdles have been overcome. And by the young people themselves.
In the Angelslo district there were several girls who wanted to play sports. This includes Zawiya Kaszuba and her sister Zunaiyra. Both are members of the children’s council of the Emmer Angelslo district, which was established last year. This council, which consists of primary school students, is committed to plans that should make the neighborhood more fun for children. It was announced through this council that several girls in Angelslo would like to play sports.
“I’ve wanted that for a long time,” says Zawiya, who pauses the training. “When we were allowed to put forward ideas at the children’s council, we indicated to the municipality that we would like a football team. That worked and I am very happy with that,” she says laughing.
Zawiya’s love for the game runs deep. “I’ve loved football since I was little.” Her father and brother also play. Her idol is Ronaldo. Although she regrets that he left for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Being able to play herself was difficult, she says. Playing with boys, for example, was very complicated in view of her faith. Thanks to the children’s council, the ball was literally and figuratively put on the spot. The team has been training on the fields of SC Angelslo for two months. They now have nine players in total.
Trainer Yucesan, affiliated with the municipality of Emmen, agrees that certain cultures experience barriers when it comes to sports. “We have all done our best to take that away.”
Children and parents are all flexible about it. “I personally had introductory meetings with all the families. A group app was created with the girls and their parents.” The latter have a say in certain matters and that is appreciated, says Yucesan.
A visit has now also been made to the ‘neighbours’ in the Emmerhout district. “There is also a need for sports there. “So we went there for promotion. A participant from that district has now also registered.” The team must continue to grow. “A few more players and then we can also play competitions.”