All sparks FC training to improve their defence

All Sparks FC junior team of Bestech Parkview Spa, a gated condominium in Sector 47, is determined to make a mark at Hindustan Times Great Indian Football Action (HT GIFA). The team is training hard for hours to hone their skills.

HT GIFA gives children of condominiums and residential sectors an opportunity to showcase their football talent each year. The seven members of the team said they are looking forward to taking full advantage of the tournament.

Football lovers from childhood, the passionate players are eagerly waiting for their next encounter.

“The team members are all ardent fans of the game and GIFA provides an opportunity to play the beautiful game at the biggest stage in NCR. It is a great initiative and I cannot wait to be on the pitch again,” Harman Singh, a class 7 student, said.

The team is primarily concentrating on the defensive side of the game. They said the team members are helping each other to improve their technique.

“We all actively see each other’s techniques and try to learn from it. If someone is not performing well, the team makes sure the player knows where he are going wrong. It helps us in improving our overall game,” Abeer Sanduja, a class 8 student, said.

The players have also made a WhatsApp group to discuss strategies. They also make sure they practise for at least four hours every week.

“We are football lovers and do not miss any opportunity to play the sport. The team members have been readjusting their schedules to find time for practice even though our examinations are just a couple of weeks away,” Danish Sharma of class 7 said.

Parents of the players are also involved in the practice session with the elders giving tips to the youngsters. Parents are trying to ensure that children get ample time to train. They said, though education is important, sports are as crucial for the overall development of a child.

“The dedication that children are showing is amazing. It is important that we support them in whatever decisions they make, so here we are cheering for them,” Ravneet Kaur, mother of Harman Singh, said.

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“GIFA is an excellent platform provided by Hindustan Times for young footballers to expose their talent,” Ravneet Kaur, mother of Harman Singh

“The team is well prepared to make it big at the HT GIFA event. We have our fingers crossed,” said Harman Singh.