Following the trailblazing path of Sweden-based Anika Rania Siddiqui, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has set its sights on another British-Bangladeshi prodigy: 16-year-old forward Shaila Medina Ahmed. This development is part of BFF’s ongoing initiative to integrate diaspora talent into the national women’s football structure, particularly in age-group teams.
Born in 2009, Shaila has already established herself as a promising young talent in England’s competitive football scene. Her journey took a significant leap in August 2015 when she secured a full scholarship to join the prestigious Aston Villa Foundation Development Programme, widely regarded as one of the elite academies for grooming young footballers. The programme has a strong reputation globally for producing players capable of excelling at professional levels.
Before her tenure at Aston Villa, Shaila honed her skills at the Northampton Town FC Girls Elite Academy, where she made a remarkable impact. Representing the club’s Under-13 team for two seasons, she scored 17 goals and provided 22 assists. Her outstanding performance earned her the Player of the Year award for the 2020–21 season, highlighting her growing influence on the pitch.
BFF Vice-President Fahad Karim confirmed Shaila’s inclusion in the national setup, noting that she will initially join the youth team rather than the senior squad. “InshaaAllah, Shaila will come to Bangladesh to represent our youth team. We are in regular contact with her father, and discussions have been ongoing since last year. She is currently on a scholarship at Aston Villa,” he said.
Fahad Karim added that Shaila’s integration into the national squad will coincide with upcoming international tournaments. “We have the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-17 and Under-19/20 competitions ahead. If everything proceeds as planned, we expect to see her joining the team later this year,” he explained.
Shaila Medina Ahmed – Football Journey Overview
| Year/Period | Club/Academy | Achievements & Stats |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Aston Villa Foundation Development | Full scholarship; elite youth training |
| Pre-2015 | Northampton Town FC Girls Elite Academy | 2 seasons; 17 goals, 22 assists; Player of the Year 2020–21 |
| 2026 (planned) | Bangladesh Youth National Team | Expected debut in age-group tournaments |
Shaila Medina Ahmed’s inclusion underscores BFF’s strategic vision to harness the potential of overseas Bangladeshi footballers, enhancing both the depth and quality of the national women’s teams. With her impressive track record in England and the structured guidance of the BFF, she is poised to make a significant impact on Bangladesh’s youth football scene.