Bashundhara Kings, a club dedicated to the development of football in the country, has consistently achieved remarkable success since its inception. The club has made history by becoming the league champion for five consecutive seasons and securing the treble title.
The reputation of Bashundhara Kings extends beyond national borders, with significant contributions to the structural development of football. Notably, it is the only club in South Asia to boast an international standard stadium with floodlights, approved by FIFA. The Bashundhara Kings Football Academy has now embarked on its journey to further the development of football in the country.
Quality training from an early age is essential for nurturing talented footballers. Bashundhara Kings, the most modern football club in the country, has launched its academy with state-of-the-art facilities. The academy will provide training opportunities for young players aged 6-12, 11-15, and 15-18 years.
Following the club's unique success in football, this initiative aims to strengthen the future of the sport in the country. The academy's goal is to identify and develop talented youngsters, ensuring the long-term benefit of national football.
Club president Imrul Hasan commented, "The popularity of football in Bangladesh is unparalleled. In my opinion, no other sport in Bangladesh can match the popularity of football. Unfortunately, those of us in charge of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) or the clubs have failed to capitalize on this popularity. The success of the national team is crucial for creating a national awakening in football, but we have lagged behind. One reason is the lack of a rich pipeline for the national team and the clubs. The national team is usually formed with club footballers, so it is important to work with different age groups."
He added, "Our initial focus is on starting with players aged six. Although we do not yet consider it a full-fledged academy, as it is still non-residential, our club building is under construction. Once completed, we will transition to a residential academy."
Football offers lucrative opportunities, especially at the international level, but success requires advanced training and opportunities from a young age. Bashundhara Kings' modern infrastructure, skilled foreign coaches, and healthy environment will play a crucial role in this regard. By providing a proper training system, young players in Bangladesh will have the chance to compete on the international stage. The Bashundhara Kings Academy has been established with this goal in mind.
The academy will offer international standard training, setting it apart from other clubs in the country. Players will have the opportunity to train under both local coaches and Romanian coach Valeriu Tita. This academy will be the only club in the country to provide practice facilities on international standard grounds. Additionally, the academy will collaborate with various international clubs to enhance player quality.
As a result, young players will not only improve their skills but also open new horizons through cooperation with international clubs. Academy players can refine their talents by practicing with the country's top players. This initiative is creating new possibilities in national football, helping to establish talented players at the international level in the future.
Imrul Hasan believes that the academy will yield long-term benefits. He stated, "The academy that is starting now will bring benefits to Bashundhara Kings and the national team in a few years. It is now open to all, and everyone can enroll and practice here. Those who excel will receive special care plans. We will see the benefits of this initiative in the next six to seven years."
