In this enlightening conversation between Mr. Kaushik Moulik and Julia Farr, Head of Asia for Borussia Dortmund, we delve into Julia’s extensive career in football, spanning from player to coach to administrator. The conversation provides valuable insights into her experiences and perspectives on the development of women’s football in India and Asia, as well as her mission to lead her club in the continent of Asia.

Passion for the Game

Mr. Moulik initiates the conversation by asking Julia about her initial feelings upon entering a football arena. Julia expresses her unwavering love for the game, describing football as her ultimate passion. She shares her excitement whenever she steps onto the field, highlighting her deep-rooted connection to the sport.

Career Transformations

Transitioning to Julia’s multifaceted career in football, Mr. Moulik inquires about her journey from player to coach to administrator and the differences she’s encountered along the way. Julia reflects on the evolution of her roles, emphasising that each phase contributes to a broader understanding of the game. She discusses the varying levels of responsibility and perspectives, she also shares that now she is leading her club in a different capacity and she is looking at the game in a completely different view again because now it’s not just developing players but developing her club and countries (in terms of football). She points out Indian football as an example of a development that they are trying to help get structure and grow.

Understanding the Football World

With Julia’s current role leading Borussia Dortmund’s presence in Asia, Mr. Moulik probes into her insights on football’s global landscape. Julia underscores the universal language of football, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to different football cultures while maintaining a common passion for the game.

Empowering Women in Football

Transitioning to the topic of women’s football development in India and Asia, Mr. Moulik seeks Julia’s perspective on empowering women through the sport. Julia emphasises her role is not just to develop girls’ football or to represent woman empowerment, but to lead the Asia-Pacific region for Borussia Dortmund, and she has made it her mission to show the world that a woman can do that because she is currently the first and only woman representing any European club in her position and she is of proud of it. She said that when she came to India and saw the girls playing football, she saw there was a lot of potential and talent but they were still very hesitant about themselves so people could tell that they felt they were in the shadows of the guys. She wants to encourage every girl out there that there is a pathway for them and that they are equally good as the boys and they can succeed as equal to them. It doesn’t matter whether you are a girl or a boy if anyone plays football with the same hunger and passion something can be achieved.

Training Camp Experience

Reflecting on Borussia Dortmund’s training camp for Indian girls and women teams in Pune, Julia shares her impressions of the players and their progress. She said that she grew together with those girls during those days, they were glued together. Whenever they had a workshop or training session with the girls, they were following everything Julia was trying to teach or advise them. The girls were very reactive and had a fast learning process and that was something that made her smile as she was trying to do something new with them, and the girls were responsive enough to show her that they can also do it in the new way. She also shared that when she saw them playing, the players were physically and mentally strong on the pitch, they were all fighting for each other, which is a good mentality. The skills of the players can still improve and develop, but they need to focus on self-confidence, it is something the coaches can work on, she cannot wait to come back and see the progress of the girls as they have a bright future ahead.

Synergy in Indian Football

Discussing the synergy between football administration and players in India, Julia emphasises the importance of incorporating fundamental training programs tailored to female athletes. She acknowledges the physical differences between male and female players and advocates for supportive structures that cater to women’s specific needs. Women are prone to certain injuries tearing of ACL, knee injuries, and having wider hips which are some examples. It’s just something coaches and administrators have to keep in mind and have to monitor so girls might need to work a bit more on stability and certain mass building around the knee a little more than the guys. She also shared her opinion on the taboo topic of periods, she said that she talked about it during their workshop as well and it’s common sense that women have their period once a month so this is also something the coaches have to monitor and keep in mind for the bigger picture. She suggested that when they set up the training schedule and plans for the girls the coaches and administration just have to modify the plan a bit and most importantly, help the players enjoy the game.

Scouting and Development

Mr. Moulik raises the topic of scouting talent in Asia, citing the example of Danelle Tan, a Singaporean player in Borussia Dortmund’s Girls League. Julia expresses confidence in finding similar talent in India through collaborative efforts and structured initiatives. She believes in the potential of Indian football and is committed to supporting its growth.

Mission for Sports Development

Julia ends the conversation by outlining her mission to improve football in India, emphasising the need for structured initiatives, confidence-building among female athletes, and the exploration of opportunities both on and off the pitch. She reaffirms her commitment to inspiring women in sports and driving positive change within the industry.

In conclusion, Julia Farr’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of football in empowering women and driving global change. Through her leadership and dedication, she continues to champion equality and opportunity within the football community, leaving a lasting impact on the sport’s development in India and beyond.