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AFC - It might be wishful thinking but Iranian Niloofar Ardallani definitely dares to dream big.

One of the AFC 'C' Certificate Coaching courses participants in the AFC U13 Girls Festival of Football for West and Central Asia, Ardallani has harboured ambitions of leading her country in women’s football.

She wants to become the head of women's football in the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (IRIFF) in the future and discover the hidden talent in the Persian country.

The first target for former Team Melli Zanan (Iranian women's football team) captain is to gain her AFC ‘C’ Certificate for coaching, and eventually move up to ‘A’ in order to make her goals a reality.

The head of women's Football at the IRIFF currently is Farideh Shojaei.

“I wish to lead the country’s women’s football. This is my goal,” said Ardallani. “I would like to set up a women's football academy in Iran and develop fresh and young talent from the age of 6 to 17.

“I believe Iran women's football can blossom with a strong foundation and grassroots and youth development programme.”

The AFC Festivals provide coaches like Ardallani the chance to shine in an international environment. She is hoping to be considered for future development under AFC’s Project Future programme.

Ardallani understands, however, that Rome was not built in a day.

“As former national team captain myself, I believe that I understand women’s football better than many people,” she said.

“There are not many female coaches in Iran. This is also one of my reasons to participate in the Festival's coaching course. I would like to become a qualified coach.

“I need to work extremely hard. My first plan is to pass the AFC 'C' Certificate Coaching course and develop my coaching skills. Then only I can go on to higher levels, such as ‘A’ Certificate, and then go on from there.

“I want to coach at the highest level and become a role model for Iranian women footballers and coaches.”
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