New virtual routine for the youth teams of the red-black women's football team
With support from the coaching staff, athletes from the U-16 and U-18 teams train using a video app.
By Rafael Rezende - inWith no date yet for in-person return, Flamengo's U-16 and U-18 teams have been holding virtual training sessions. With the athletes at home, the coaching staff, which is the same for both categories, leads the activities via video twice a week, lasting approximately one hour.
Coach Marcos Gaspar explained how the initiative came about and provided some details. Leading Mais Querido since 2019, he reiterated the importance of working together.
"The idea came from within the committee, specifically with André, the physical trainer. Flamengo's youth department suggested this possibility to us while we waited for in-person training, with the aim of keeping the group motivated and boosting the girls' spirits. The club has been fully supporting women's football, and the goal is to make the sport an example for Brazil," he said.
Aware of the importance of keeping athletes active, Marcos said the initiative was a way to also help with mental health, a major concern for everyone involved in their daily lives. Going forward, there's a plan in place with the club to increase the level of work in other areas.
"The participation was great. We felt a huge desire from them to train, and the response has been positive. Right now, the physical results are minimal. From now on, we will use other tools to share tactical and technical information, demonstrate the game system, etc. Furthermore, we will have the help of various departments at Flamengo. We are trying, even with this pandemic, to add something to the girls' sports curriculum," he reflected.
André Cavalcanti, who is in charge of training, echoed the sentiment and emphasized that the players need to stay in touch (even if it's virtual). The coach also noted that he intends to continue the training.
"The important thing about returning online, without a shadow of a doubt, is more emotional. The priority is to work on the mind. Not doing what we love is always difficult, so right now, training is focused on the athletes' interaction. Nothing will compare to the work done on the field, but carrying out these activities in a planned way will give me the chance to accelerate a little more and try to improve my physical skills," she concluded.