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The suspension of educational facilities in Bahrain due to the coronavirus outbreak didn’t just affect schools, universities and nurseries across the kingdom, but it also hit the football academies which left behind fields of broken dreams.
As soon as the suspension was announced by the Ministry of Education in February, youth football clubs such as Juventus Academy and Tekkers closed their doors and tackled the challenge with online coaching.
John Mackenzie, director of Juventus Academy which is based at Saar Cultural and Sports Club, said: “We had been monitoring the developments of the virus from early on with the help of other Juventus academies across the world and, in particular, receiving information from Turin.
“Upon the announcement by the Ministry of Education, we immediately followed suit and shut down our operations. It was the best decision. I know that everyone connected with the academy is eager to get back as soon as it is safe to do so.”
When the academies closed, Juventus had 18 weeks left of its season and Tekkers could not complete the second half of its term either.
Deena Rahman, a Bahrain national team player, head coach and co-owner of Tekkers Academy with her husband, Paul Shipwright, said: “It was a strange feeling having to close.
“We are used to conducting sessions six days-a-week. We all thought that the suspension would only be for a few weeks, not months! Even our annual tour to the City Cup in Abu Dhabi was cancelled.”
The closure of training facilities may have put a damper on the coaches’ spirits but it also dashed students desires of playing regular competitive matches.
Both academies embraced online opportunities, posting football content to keep their students active, educated and entertained whilst stuck at home.
He said: “We created a plethora of content that we made available on Instagram, YouTube, as well as posting on GDNlife, Bahrain’s own social media platform.
“This included solo skills, 1v1 skills, yoga, J Active and even a live weekly quiz hosted by our coaches. During this period, we wanted to ensure that everybody had the chance to still be involved, regardless of whether they were members or not.
“We tried to create content which was easy to follow. For most of it, you simply just needed a ball! The staff and I felt that we wanted to get the wider community of Bahrain involved and, if at least one person enjoyed our videos, then it was worth it!”
The Juventus students also joined a Stay and Play competition run from Turin. Juventus Academies across the globe competed against each other in a variety of challenges.
Meanwhile, Tekkers sent exercises and drills, competitions and challenges daily to every one of their students, except on Fridays. Their coaches were in constant contact with their groups and they are now conducting live Zoom sessions in which all of their students are invited.
“Without a doubt, the most difficult thing has been not having face-to-face interaction with the players and them not playing with their team mates,” explained Rahman.
“Football is a social and team sport and there is only so much that can be achieved on your own, in your living room or garden.
“Sport is gradually returning, albeit in a restricted way. Hopefully, it will return soon but perhaps with a greater emphasis on player and spectator safety in relation to Covid-19.”
As the academies continue to challenge their students with online activities, they wait in anticipation to get the green light to return to their home pitches.
Rahman said: “It has been, and continues to be, a tough time for players, coaches, officials and parents but it was important to listen to the medical and government advice.
“Sports, schools and activities will always be in our future but you only get one life and we must take any action necessary to look after each other.
“We will reopen as soon as legally allowed and we hope that this will be before the schools go back. Our coaches are here and we are itching to get back on the pitch whatever the summer temperature!”
Mackenzie’s team is also eager to return to action and is in talks with the relevant authorities.
“We are looking into ways to create social distancing sessions, as well as ensuring the correct cleaning of equipment before and after sessions,” he added.
“I believe that eventually sport will return to the normality we knew beforehand but it may take a number of months to do so.
“I’m glad that we can work with health officials in having a safe and steady introduction back into all sports and potentially there will be some good habits that can be beneficial moving forward, particularly with regards to storing and maintaining equipment.”
In the world of global soccer, leagues are gradually starting up again, mostly behind closed doors,
As for Bahrain’s national league, the season is set to kick-off on July 1.
