Imparting life skills through soccer

How does soccer training help in improving the lives of underprivileged kids?  

We believe that a structured sports programme can help in providing a purpose and hope to many children who belong to marginalised sections of the society. Football inherently offers a transferable set of skills for social development; through team building, acceptance and discipline. When we started in 2002, it was a difficult task to convince parents of many of these kids that ‘playing’ can improve their lives. But they saw the results and attitudinal shift among kids who were undergoing soccer training. 

We have a strong network of volunteers as well as trained coaches. In addition, many of the kids who have been trained, coach the younger kids. There are about 200-250 coaches in total and we operate in six states through teaching centres in the most backward districts of the state. 

 Last year the league was a huge hit and transformed talented children into champions. It’s biggest star, Parthipan stormed his way to the Homeless World Cup 2015 in Amsterdam. The league is a great opportunity for these children to come out of their hometown and mingle with peers from similar background. So we are excited for the 2016 edition.