Every great story has its beginning. Sometimes it starts quietly, in the backyard, with an old ball and childlike self-confidence.
Some want to be teachers, while others dream of becoming doctors. Others, having seen themselves at a large stadium since childhood, believe that one day they will defend the honor of Uzbekistan at the World Cup. Eldor Shomurodov's story also began this way.
Today, she helps children who once dreamed of playing on big fields like her. Children live and study at the Eldor Shomurodov Academy in Surkhandarya region, near Termez, and each day take small but important steps to get closer to their dreams.
The TBC Bank team visited the academy to see all of this with their own eyes. The children's sincerity and determination, as well as their serious approach to what many adults still consider a childhood dream, inspired the team. Therefore, the TBC Bank team has set itself the goal of being by their side, supporting them, and working together on this path.
Perhaps someone's great football path truly begins here, on the field under the scorching sun of Surkhandarya.
Life-changing opportunity
Children from various families of Surkhandarya region study at the academy. Here, the family's income is not important. The main thing is whether the child is interested in football, what his character is, and whether he is ready to work tirelessly.
"Children study at the academy for free. For us, the most important thing is not the family's financial situation, but the child's interest in football, abilities, and aspirations. If he possesses these qualities, he will be accepted regardless of his family," says Sanjar Shomurodov, the head of the Surkhandarya Regional Football Federation and Eldor Shomurodov's brother.
Currently, 132 children are studying at the academy. Admissions are held annually in July and August. Children who have previously attended classes at a sports school are admitted to the Academy from the age of 12.
They understand that football here is not just about technique and speed, but also about character and willpower. Psychologists also work with children. Victory or defeat affects children differently, so it's important for them to always feel supported.
If someone encounters difficulties, they are assigned additional activities tailored to the schedule. In addition to daily activities, children have the opportunity to exercise in the gym, strengthening not only physically, but also mentally.
Dream called "Football"
Zayniddin Amadullaev is 12 years old. He has been attending academy training for several years and is growing up with his team.
"I fell in love with football because of my father. From the age of seven, I have been exercising every day, striving to improve myself every day. For now, there are no big difficulties, I play football for about three hours a day, and I dream of becoming a strong player like Eldor," says Zayniddin.
If you ask children what their dreams are, the answer is almost unanimous: to become a professional footballer.
There is no doubt in their words - only sincerity and readiness to work tirelessly are felt.
"There are no quick results in football. You can't work hard today and achieve success the very next day. "It is necessary to work and act with discipline for years, and results will come only with time," says Sanjar Shomurodov.
The main goal of the academy is to train professional football players who can compete at the highest level. Over the next five years, the management plans to prepare at least 20 new players for the Super League.
Support always by your side
Eldor Shomurodov and TBC Bank are united by a common goal - to help children believe in themselves and never give up on their dreams, even if the road is long.
Today the guys will take the field, practice passing, learn discipline and teamwork skills. For some, it's just a hobby, but for them, it's another step towards a big dream.
And perhaps, in a few years, we will see a footballer on the international stage, starting here - on the field in Surkhandarya, with the childhood confidence and the support of adults who were there when needed.
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