Empower disadvantaged girls in Indian slums

The OSCAR Foundation organised a five-day residential #kicklikeagirl Young Leader training for 30 adolescent girls from low-income communities across Mumbai. The girls shared a love of football and all very eager to learn. The programme helped them understand the concept of Sport for Development (S4D) and taught football techniques. Furthermore, it provided crucial training for aspiring coaches, including first aid, ground rules and pitch regulations. The girls studied the Child Protection Policy, ground safety precautions and child safeguarding. This is just the beginning for these girls, learning will continue as they assist the OSCAR coaches on the ground.

Komal (19) a resident of Cuffe Parade was an attendee of the training. She's currently studying for a degree in commerce. She was born with a bowed leg and grew up with low self-esteem and was hesitant to participate in extracurricular activities.

Komal is an outstanding participant of the programme. She enthusiastically engaged in all the sessions, she was a contemplative and serious participant. She was inspired to facilitate the same programme in her community for over 80 younger beneficiaries. She wants to bring football culture to the community and actively include young girls in it.

“I always pulled myself back when it came to sports. I felt I couldn't play because of my leg. #kicklikeagirl training gave me the confidence to participate in football and not allow my condition to be a barrier. It cannot stop me from playing football or doing what I really want to”. 

As Komal shares her vision to mobilize young girls in the community and introduce them to football, she also wants to initiate conversation around challenging the gender norms and encourage the girls to be vocal. She is now a confident young girl who wants people to realise a disability need not be a barrier and anyone who believes in themselves can definitely succeed.