Dhaka Bank in for women's football
National women footballers are all set to come under a salary structure from next year as Dhaka Bank Ltd, one of the leading financial institutions of the country, yesterday officially earned the rights to sponsor women's teams at all levels for six years.
Dhaka Bank tied its knots with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) following consistent performances from the girls in red and green at international level as Bangladesh became champions in SAFF U-15 Championship in 2017, AFC U-16 Women's Championship Qualifiers in 2018 and SAFF U-18 Championship in 2018.
At the moment, some 45 girls including players from under-15, under-16, under-18, under-19 levels and the senior team are in year-long training camp under the supervision of the local game's governing body. Before Dhaka Bank's association, Walton group used to sponsor women's teams on tournament basis.
“Bangladesh Football Federation is honoured and grateful that Dhaka Bank has agreed to be associated with women's football teams following our offer because it is not possible for the BFF to foster the women's teams solely until the sponsors like Dhaka Bank come forward to extend their helping hands,” BFF president Kazi Salahuddin said at the official signing ceremony at the BFF House yesterday.
“Under the agreement, the girls, who have been under BFF training programme, will come into a salary structure under different categories from January,” said Salahuddin, who however did not disclose the amount of the contract money.
Under the agreement, the girls will study, have proper diet and clothing and will be provided with all types of sports kits, informed the BFF boss.
Bangladesh's next assignment in women's football is at the AFC U-16 Women's Championship Qualifiers (Roud-2) in Myanmar from February 27. The girls will play against Myanmar, China and Philippines.
“Bangladesh is going forward in different sectors and in sports, the girls are bringing laurels for the nation by clinching regional titles. Dhaka Bank has been with sports before and it will be involved with sports in future too. We are really thankful to the BFF for giving us such an opportunity,” said Dhaka Bank chairman Reshadur Rahman.
In reply to a query, Salahuddin said that they have been desperately trying to hold a women's football league despite poor response from the clubs and stakeholders. He urged clubs and corporate houses to come forward to form women's teams and participate in women's league next year.
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