advertentieProfessional footballer Samya Hassani, active at Telstar and international for Morocco, has started as the coordinator of the new girls hub at ASV De Dijk in Amsterdam-North. At sports park Schellingwoude, she guides girls aged 7 to 17 who want to play football, but for whom the step to a club is not always straightforward.
There are many girls who want to play football, says Samya. But for some, the threshold is too high. And around the age of 16, many drop out. We want to prevent them from disappearing from the picture.
Good guidance and a place in the club
The girls hub is intended as a safe, recognizable place where participants can get acquainted with football at their own pace. But just having a spot on the field is not enough, emphasizes Samya. At many clubs, girls have less access to materials or field space. They often just slip through. We want to show: there is indeed a place for you.
To really build something, according to her, good guidance and a fixed place within the club are essential. That’s why she organizes not only training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings but also clinics and recruitment through schools, after-school care, and community centers. Especially at a young age, you need to actively invite them. You have to show them that they are welcome.
From the Eredivisie to the neighborhood
Samya grew up in Amsterdam-West and only started club football at the age of 16. Within a few years, she was in the Eredivisie, played for clubs in Belgium and Turkey, and represented the Moroccan national team. Now she combines her career at Telstar with a coaching course at ROC and her work at De Dijk.
I train during the day, and in the evenings, I’m on the field in the North. Many girls combine football with school or work, that applies to me too. This project gives me energy. It’s my way of contributing to a new generation of footballers.
A field for everyone
The visibility of womens football has increased in recent years, partly due to tournaments like the European Championship and World Cup. That certainly helps, says Samya. Girls see each other on the field and on TV. That makes it easier to start playing football.
However, extra effort is needed, she emphasizes: a safe environment, involved coaches, and a club that takes girls seriously. That is exactly what the girls hub aims to provide. Not only at De Dijk but also at other clubs in the city.
Want to join?
The girls hub has now started. Girls aged 7 to 17 are welcome to join or just come and watch at sports park Schellingwoude.
Photo at the top for illustration