Astroturf helps budding footballer revive her passion

Vadodara: When she started playing football five years ago, her father could barely afford to buy her a decent pair of shoes as his business ran into major losses. But 18-year-old Namrata Gusai now has a private astroturf for practising the sport at her bungalow.
The turnaround in her father’s fortunes also helped Namrata’s football passion kick off. She has now installed a big astroturf on the terrace of their house in Dwarkesh Bungalows in Laxmipura area.
She is probably the only junior football player to have her own astroturf for practicing football. “Namrata is very passionate about football and practises daily. But often she was not able to make it to the football ground due to studies. Also, during the rains, her practice stopped completely,” said Rakesh Gusai, her father.
“While discussing the issue with my friend a couple of years ago, he suggested that I install an astroturf at home. I liked the idea and approached a Mumbai-based firm to install one our terrace last year. It cost me about Rs 1.25 lakh,” Gusai told TOI.
“I was surprised as well as excited when my father told me about having a private astroturf. I never thought we can have it on the terrace of our bungalow,” Namrata, who is student of Baroda High School (BHS) Alkapuri and plays for Rangers Football Academy, said.
The private practise has done wonders for Namrata who plays in mid-field and defence. “The accuracy and effectiveness of my shots has gone up. Whenever I get time, I just climb on the terrace and practice football for hours,” said Namrata who has captained her school team during Khel Mahakumbh and TOI T20 Soccer Tournament in 2016. She has also participated in SGFI Games and Khelo India last year.
“She used to play tennis but had to quit the classes as my business wasn’t doing well in 2012-13 and I couldn’t afford the club fees. Namrata took to football in 2015 and gradually developed interest in it. My business took off again later and I began earning well. So, I decided to give her all the facilities,” Rakesh said.
Namrata is a fan of Brazilian footballer Marcelo and follows Real Madrid club.