BBCNorthern Ireland’s first football team made up of South Asian women is preparing to compete in their first tournament.
Belfast Asian Women’s Academy (BAWA), which promotes South Asian culture and heritage in Northern Ireland, has been offering football training sessions every week in the lead up to the Ethnic Minority Sports Organisation’s Confederation Cup.
Many of the team members have not played football before and are taking up the sport as beginners.
Namratha Dasu, who settled in Belfast from India, is one of the players who is fresh to the sport.
“Most of the people who are training are playing for the first time, including me.
“It’s a great opportunity for our community,” Namratha told BBC News NI.
“We just started practicing two weeks ago. I think it’s a great initiative for South Asian women to get together.
“I’d love to play more football, I’ve even got my own shoes and football to practice at home with – I love it.”
The players train weekly at Shaftesbury Recreational Centre but not all of the team are new to sports.
‘I found it hard to move so I am grateful’
Deepika Sadagopan, who is also from India, is a member of BAWA and also plays for a camogie for a team in Ardoyne.
“I grew up around sports and I played all different types of sports in India – including running track,” Deepika said.
“I didn’t really bring my sport to Belfast when I moved in 2017 but shortly after joining BAWA I was offered the chance to play camogie in Ardoyne and have been playing ever since. The coaches really encouraged me.
“It’s been an amazing way of adopting a new culture and has helped me blend into the community. I found it hard to move so I am grateful for groups like this.”
The tournament falls within the South Asian Heritage Month which is taking place across the UK until 17 August.
The month-long celebration aims to shed light on South Asians who have migrated to Northern Ireland and the contributions they have brought.
‘So many women came forward’
The team’s manager, Ana Chandran, moved to Belfast from Malaysia and is the director of BAWA.
“There’s little to no representation of South Asian women in football and there’s no point complaining about this if we are not there and ready to play,” she said.
“When I asked for interest in football sessions, so many women came forward so I just thought – let’s do this” she added.
“We have women from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India as part of the group.
“It’s an opportunity they wouldn’t get at home for some of these women as they have rights and freedom here in Northern Ireland.
“I wanted the women to be able to network and make friends so we will go along to the tournament and see how we do.”
BAWA will be taking part in the tournament’s first women’s seven-aside cup, which is taking place at the Ulidia Playing Fields.