Footballer Saddam: Pride of parents
There were two options for Md. Saddam Hossain as a child – pick up a hammer and join his father’s carpentry business or kick a football and follow his dream.
Like many families in Bangladesh, Saddam seemed destined to only complete primary school. His family didn’t have any other money to afford his studies.
But Saddam got lucky.
In Grade 3, he became a sponsored child. His family became involved in World Vision’s Narayanganj Area Development Programme.
At the same time his mother, Pakhi become a member of Provati women’s development group, which dramatically improved their family’s income.
When the chance came for Saddam to follow his dream of becoming a football player, World Vision supported his efforts.
In 2006, with the hope of becoming a professional, Saddam appeared in the try-outs for Bangladesh Krera Shekha Protesthan (BKSP) at a football event and he succeeded! BKSP is a well-known national institute for sports and games and provides children with the opportunity to study into high school.
Saddam took part in many competitions, including the under-14 eleventh BKSP team for Subrata Mukhargi Cup in India.
“World Vision has helped me a lot. My father did not have the ability to afford my expenses to be a footballer,” Saddam says.
In 2009, he started playing in an under-19 team in Thailand, as part of Dhaka Brother Club. After being injured and unable to play football for 3 years, in 2011 he restarted his career with Agroni Bank. Now, he plays as a mid-fielder with the football team Agroni Bank. He can now financially support his parents too.
“I am sure that I could never touch the dream of my life [without World Vision’s help] and I might have been a day laborer like many,” Saddam says.
Now, he’s dreaming of becoming a member of the National Football Team.
Saddam always remembers the assistance of World Vision in his life and he gives thanks for all assistance and encouragements for making his dream come true.
Story by Lipy Mary Rodrigues, World Vision Communications