Clubs from other states seek training under Raisen coach

Bhopal:When Param first invested Rs 12 lakh after taking loan to get girls playing football in Raisen, it was an act of faith in a dream many in this district had yet to imagine. Today that faith is drawing attention beyond district borders: four to five clubs from other states have approached him with an offer to train their players at his Raisen academy and register them to play under his club’s name.“What started as a local project has become a responsibility that could shape careers,” Param said, weighing the options. “Those clubs want their girls to play for my club. It is a huge responsibility. I haven’t made a decision yet because my current focus is primarily on promoting local girls from Raisen.”Param’s academy — born of personal sacrifice and a commitment to create pathways for girls in sport — has become a rare regional hub where female players receive regular coaching, access to equipment and match exposure.

That success, and the scarcity of comparable grassroots setups nearby, explains why out-of-state clubs are now seeking collaboration: they want their talent to benefit from Raisen’s facilities and coaching while gaining the visibility that comes from competing at a higher level.The offers present both opportunity and ethical questions for Param. On one hand, accepting players from other clubs could raise the standard of competition, attract attention from scouts and provide the Raisen squad with stronger match play.

On the other, it risks diverting time and resources away from the local girls who formed the foundation of the project.Param made his conditions clear. “I have no objection to training girls from other clubs at the Raisen club and fielding them from here,” he said. “However, it is a significant responsibility, and I will only agree if I can ensure that I can devote equal attention to all the girls.”Parents and supporters say they trust Param’s judgment. “He started something for our daughters when no one else would,” said one mother.

“We hope any decision will keep Raisen girls’ interests first.”As Param considers the proposals, he is also mindful of long-term sustainability. He’s exploring ways to expand coaching capacity, seek institutional support and formalize selection and training policies so incoming players do not overshadow Raisen’s homegrown talent.For now, the coach from Raisen remains deliberate. The offers arriving from outside the state are an endorsement of his work — and a test of whether his grassroots vision can scale without losing its original purpose: creating opportunities for girls from Raisen to play football and dream bigger.