As Women’s World Cup progresses, and England’s own lionesses march through quarter finals of the tournament. We present to you an inspirational story of a four-year-old girl from Batley, who is beating all odds as she moves towards her dream of one of the lionesses in future.
Surjeet Notay, Jeevna’s father told Asian Standard: “Jeevna was born in September 2018, she was born with a congenital leg deformity, which is a genetic disorder, which affects her lower limbs, we had no idea that she had this condition until she was born, and it was life changing for all the family.”
In South Asian families, generally, differently abled children are kept in close watch, parents are sometimes overprotective of the children, and restrict them from any strenuous physical activities.
So, what motivated Jeevna’s parents to encourage her into football?
Surjeet answers: “She is not different to anyone, before she was born, it was quite incidental, we were in India, we were travelling somewhere, we saw a sign that said, ‘differently abled people’, it did not say disabled. Maybe it was a sign for us. She is not disabled; she is only differently abled. She can do anything that anybody else can do. She learnt to walk herself, basically all milestones she is achieving are her own doing”.
Image: Surjeet Kaur Notay
Harpreet Kaur Notay, her mother, adds: “We just encouraged her, we never kept her inside, we were open about her condition, with other people as well. Wherever we used to go, we used to take her with us, even in her frames (frames around legs), people used to look and ask, ‘what are these frames’. You face people once or twice, then you say that’s it, questions are fine, I’m okay with it”.
Surjeet says, “Basically we were introduced to England Amputee Football association by, Sheffield Children Hospital. We went there for a checkup. The nurse who was there suggested it, the association was looking for girls to come on board. With the success of the women’s team, female football has become popular. So, they were looking for young amputee girls for a training camp”.
Harpreet adds, “They have seen her progress as well, she is not shy at all, that’s why they said, let’s just suggest this to her”.
Speaking about the training camps held by the England Amputee Football association, Harmeet says, “She just loved it. It was the first time on field she kicked the ball. She entered the pitch like she belongs there. We just used to play at home, just casually with the ball. Yet on field she was supremely confident.”
Four years of age, Jeevna Notay was the youngest of all who attended the training camp held in Nantwich.
Speaking of future, Surjeet said: “The team which worked with her were impressed, they are quite keen to train her even further and travel the world with her really.”
Image: Surjeet Singh Notay
Jeevna’s mum adds, “They have asked us to look for a team for her and we have asked Leeds United as well.
Surjeet continues, “She’s not five yet. I don’t think anybody starts training before five years of age. She’ll turn five in September. Hopefully we can get a good team for her”.
The parents are looking at football teams like Leeds United or Huddersfield, to carry on Jeevna’s further training.
Surjeet, in a message to other parents who have differently abled kids, said: “Every child is unique, doesn’t matter the condition they come to the world with, just don’t suppress them. The world is their oyster. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Harpreet in her message said: “Instead of keeping them inside the house, within the four walls, take them outside, let them face the world as well.”
She continues, “Jeevna’s going to be the first girl in the family to go into football,” she laughs.
“Surj’s dad was very much into football. He was really proud of you, he says, my granddaughter will fulfil my dreams”.
