For 20 slum children in Mumbai, football is no longer just a game, but a way of life
For 20 slum children in Mumbai, football is no longer just a game, but a way of life. These kids have their school fees, computer class fees, monthly ration, medical expenses and other basic needs taken care of by the Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA), and all they have to do in return is play football.
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| Karnataka Sporting Association's team for underprivileged children during a practice session at the KSA ground, Churchgate. PIC/SAMEER MARKANDE |
For almost a year now, this group of 20 children has been training with KSA and is now ready to represent KSA's team for underprivileged children in U-15 tournaments.
KSA secretary Prakash Shetty told MiD DAY all about the inception of this special team: "Last year, we felt a strong urge to do something for society, especially children. So we decided to put together a team for underprivileged children and agreed to take responsibility for their needs. With the help of various NGOs we arranged trials for the boys and shortlisted 20 out of 110.
"The goal is to ensure these children have a secure future. We have been educating them about football, hoping it helps them make a career in the sport. As the kids improve, we'll keep promoting promising talent to our senior team," he said.
Elite Division team, Union Bank of India coach, Julian D'Silva is one of the coaches, who helps these kids learn the nuances of the game. "This bunch has a lot of heart and zeal. They are a talented lot and are very hard working. They are hungry to learn."
Fourteen-year-old, Virdhawan Chauhan, a resident of the Ambedkar Nagar slums, Cuffe Parade aspires to be a professional goalkeeper. "I have been playing football for two years and it has changed my life. There is nothing I love more than walking out onto the football field. There are so many problems off it, sometimes I wish I can stay there forever," said Virdhawan, the son of a fisherman. Kumar Rathod's father is also a fisherman and he lives in the same locality as Virdhawan. The 14-year-old aims to become as skilled as his idol Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I started playing football after watching Ronaldo dribble on TV. He is very skillful and I am working hard to become like him," said the young striker.
Shetty added: "It's not just about football. We have arranged for students from St Cathedral School to come to the ground and help the boys with their studies.
"If corporates and clubs start a similar programme and each take 20 underprivileged kids under their wings, just imagine how many families will benefit."
