From Practice To Play
Fatih & Egi, Indonesia
Bundesliga and Goal Click have collaborated to create a storytelling series to share the untold stories of children participating in the Bundesliga Common Ground project. This series showcases the transformative impact of the Common Ground pitches within urban communities in Germany, Brazil, Nigeria and Indonesia.
Fatih and Egi, two passionate young footballers from South Jakarta, are united by their love for the game and their dreams of playing at the highest level. Through the Bundesliga Common Ground project, they have sharpened their skills on the pitch while growing in confidence, teamwork, and friendship.
My name is Al-Fatih. I am 14 years old and I am from Petukangan Utara, South Jakarta.
I first got into football after watching my brother play. He inspired me to start playing with my friends every afternoon, right up until Maghrib, when we pray at sunset.
In my neighbourhood, football plays a big role in the community. It helps us make new friends and brings people together through team competition. There are many opportunities for young players to grow because, if we keep practising, our skills and abilities improve on and off the pitch.
I once had an ankle injury that stopped me from playing for a while. That made me realise how important football is, not just physically, but also mentally. It trains us in both areas.
The Bundesliga Common Ground project has had a big impact on me. I enjoy being part of it because it motivates me to keep improving, especially in goalkeeping, which is my position.
This project has also had a great effect on the community. It helps young players build their skills, gain confidence, and grow. Plus, it has been a great way to make new friends!
This experience has taught me the value of confidence and teamwork. I have become more responsible when working with others, and I have helped my teammates build their confidence.
If we believe in ourselves and put in the work, we will see results. And when we work together as a team, we feel more confident and ready to win.
My dream is to one day play football outside Jakarta, or even abroad. And for the younger generation, I hope they continue chasing their dreams, just like I am chasing mine.
Together We Grow
My name is Egi and I am 12 years old from South Jakarta in Indonesia. I have been playing football since I was eight when I started playing with my dad, and am learning how to play better every day. Right now, I play for Nusantara FA in Sulcata and I enjoy the competition. One day, I hope to become a professional player for our national team.
The Bundesliga Common Ground project has helped me develop my creativity on and off the pitch, through training drills and teamwork sessions. My favourite sessions are the ones that include technical and tactical drills. These skills will help me in my football career so that I can continue to grow.
The project has also taught me important values and helped me make friends. I have learned the importance of listening to the motivation provided by my parents and coaches.
