Breaking Barriers: Dubrave Women’s Football Club Defies stereotypes
In the heart of rural Herzegovina, where traditional gender roles often prevail, the emergence of a women’s football club is a remarkable feat.The Dubrave Women’s football Club, based in domanović, Čapljin municipality, is a testament to the unwavering passion and dedication of its founder, Zorica Šutalo.
Driven by her enthusiasm for working with young athletes, Zorica, who previously coached boys’ teams, recognized the need for a platform for girls to pursue their football dreams. The club’s journey began fifteen months ago with humble beginnings at the “Potkosa” Sports Center, utilizing a smaller field. However,the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s requirement for WU-15 girls’ league matches to be played on a larger field prompted the club to secure a concession for the “Luke” stadium in Domanovići.
Currently, the club boasts two U-15 categories, with fifteen girls actively competing in the league and another fifteen younger girls training at the “Potkosa” center. Gathering these young athletes hasn’t been without its challenges. In a society where women’s football is still gaining acceptance, Zorica and her team have worked tirelessly to overcome deeply ingrained stereotypes.
“It’s not easy,” Zorica admits,”especially in a region where girls playing football is still considered unconventional. But globally, women’s football is rapidly evolving, and we’re determined to be a part of that progress here.”
The club’s commitment extends beyond the field. Recognizing the logistical hurdles faced by parents, many of whom are hardworking farmers, the Dubrave Sports Club purchased a van to transport the girls to training sessions.This initiative ensures that geographical limitations and demanding work schedules don’t hinder the girls’ participation.
Funding for the club relies heavily on self-financing, with Zorica and her team tirelessly seeking support.While they haven’t yet received financial assistance from the city of Čapljina, they remain hopeful that their dedication will be recognized.
Looking ahead, the club has aspiring plans. They aim to secure funding to include pre-pioneer and pioneer boys’ teams in the county league next year, further expanding opportunities for young athletes in the region. The Dubrave Women’s Football Club is not just about football; it’s about breaking down barriers,empowering young girls,and fostering a sense of community. Their story is an inspiration, proving that with passion and perseverance, even the most deeply rooted stereotypes can be challenged.
Reviving a Neglected Field: A Family’s Passion for Youth Sports
A once-overgrown field, abandoned for fifteen years, now boasts a revitalized playing surface and functional facilities. This transformation is the result of the dedication of a local family, driven by a deep commitment to providing opportunities for young athletes.
“We saw the potential in this neglected space,” explains Zorica, the driving force behind the project. “Acacia trees had taken root, the dressing rooms were hidden, and the field was unusable. Now, thanks to our investment, we have functional restrooms, running water, and soon, electricity. While there are still improvements to be made, the progress is evident.”
Some question the family’s decision to invest personal funds in a community project. Zorica, however, remains undeterred. “Some say we’re crazy for spending our money on other people’s children,” she says with a smile. “But I believe in the power of sports. I’m thrilled to see children engaging in physical activity, developing teamwork skills, and enjoying the outdoors instead of being glued to screens.”
zorica’s passion for youth sports is deeply personal. her own daughter, a talented footballer, faced critically important challenges pursuing her passion. Starting at the age of three, she trained with various clubs, including Neretva Women’s Football Club in Metković. Though, the long commutes across crowded borders proved unsustainable.
“It was impossible to drive her to training every day,” Zorica explains. “She eventually joined the boys’ premier league team in Gabela,a remarkable feat for a young girl in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Currently,she plays for Leotar Trebinje,a girls’ cadet league team,as there are no local clubs for girls.”
This experience inspired Zorica to establish a women’s football club in her community.”My daughter’s journey highlighted the need for local opportunities for girls,” she says. “Our region is brimming with talented young footballers, especially girls. We want to provide them with a platform to develop their skills, compete, and lead healthy lives.”
Zorica and her family have ambitious plans for the future. They envision a senior women’s team competing in a national league, irrespective of the division. Their dedication and vision offer a beacon of hope for aspiring young athletes in the region.
Defying Tradition: Dubrave Women’s Football Club Blazes a Trail in Herzegovina
The story of the Dubrave Women’s Football Club is one of unwavering passion, hard work, and the defiance of deeply ingrained social norms. Nestled in the rural heartland of Herzegovina, where traditional gender roles frequently enough dominate, this fledgling club is proving that girls can not only dream of playing football, but thrive on the pitch.
Founded by the tireless Zorica Šutalo, a woman driven by her profound love for the sport and her belief in empowering young athletes, the club’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. Starting fifteen months ago with modest facilities at the “Potkosa” sports Center, Dubrave quickly faced a challenge: the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina mandates that WU-15 league matches be played on a larger field.Undeterred, the club secured a concession for the “Luke” stadium in Domanovići, demonstrating their commitment to providing the best platform for their athletes.
Currently, dubrave boasts two U-15 teams, boasting a combined roster of thirty girls actively engaged in training and competition. The club’s success, though, goes beyond simply fielding teams. Zorica and her team have courageously tackled deeply ingrained societal stereotypes surrounding women in sport. “It’s not easy,” Zorica admits. “Especially in a region where girls playing football is still considered unconventional.” But fueled by the global rise of women’s football and their own unwavering belief in their cause, they are resolute to be a part of positive change.
The club’s dedication resonates beyond the field. Understanding the logistical hurdles faced by families in a predominantly rural setting, many of whom rely on agriculture, Dubrave invested in a van to transport the girls to training sessions.this initiative breaks down geographical barriers and ensures that girls with demanding family schedules can still participate.
Financially, the club relies heavily on self-funding, with zorica and her team constantly seeking support. While they have yet to receive financial backing from the city of Čapljina, their hope remains undimmed, fueled by the belief that their commitment will be recognized.
Looking ahead, Dubrave Women’s Football Club is a beacon of hope, not just for aspiring young female footballers in Herzegovina but for the region as a whole. their story is a powerful reminder that passion, dedication, and belief in the power of dreams can overcome even the moast deeply entrenched barriers. The club’s future trajectory holds immense promise,with plans to expand its reach and further empower young women through the beautiful game.
