A Decade of Dreams

Back in 2010, I registered a sports domain and initiative, hoping that someday I’d help make a difference.
That day is FINALLY here!

Spreading Sports with…

Dilkhush Special School:

An ode to new beginnings, this is where we got the ball rolling… literally! 

Bringing together children from all walks of life, here, we conduct sports programs for children aged 4 to 17 years. Starting with a summer camp turned regular batch, we subsequently rolled out a social responsibility program for those who lacked access and means to good learning.

A year on, through dedicated groundwork and planning, we set out a sports curriculum for differently abled children — designed to facilitate their individual development and open up a pathway for opportunities, including at the Special Olympics.

Going with a simple thought of making good programs available, and with all hands on deck, we continue our onground efforts towards nurturing a healthier and heartier program for all involved. A special space and safe haven to many, Dilkhush, our first and most cherished centre is where it all comes together — under one roof. 

In Numbers,

(2020-2021)

Football,
3 coaches train 25 children in three batches — U8, U10 and U12 age groups.

Impact:

After a trial run, the first batch kicked off with more girls than boys — a sheer rarity at the time. Result, ‘A pilot run, won!’

(2022-23)

Football,
3 coaches train 35 children in three batches — U10, U14 and U18 age groups.

Basketball for Girls,
Introduction of twice a week training for girls aged 6 to 14 years. It follows an open-to-all approach.

Physical Education & Sports for Special & Differently Abled Children,
Specifically designed to facilitate mental and physical growth and development of all 120 in-school children.

Impact:

With inclusivity at the heart, children converge here from Holy Cross High, Taraben, Sadhana, Kamladevi Jain, Podar, St. Lawrence, St. Joseph’s, Guru Harkishan & KK Rajpopat schools. 

Five years on, with regular weekly sessions, 6 children have been drafted into their respective school teams this year and 7 have moved into club football, with many more in training to follow. 

Highlights:

In a go for gold moment, Aditi Alungal from our pilot batch has turned pro and gone on to represent the city and play for the Mumbai U17 Girls Football Team!

AVM Group of Institutions:

Going back to school to help leverage sports has been a long-standing and long-drawn thought of mine. Brought up at a time where professional opportunities were sparse and visibly lacking, the intent now is to provide better guidance and direction to children at the outset of their wonder years — something many of us gravely missed growing up.

In developing a holistic football program across all three schools, we look at building a stronger sports base — and slowly but surely scouting talent from a pool of players across several sports.

In Numbers,

(2020-21)

With a 1:15 coach to student ratio, around 600 students from standards 5 to 8 train through the academic year.

Highlights:

With the AVM Juhu U16 Girls team winning the MSSA (Mumbai Schools Sports Association) inter-school football championship in 2019, it’s time to carry on the legacy.

(2022-23)

Maintaining the same coach to student ratio, 700+ students from standards 3 to 8 train through the academic year.

Highlights:

Work in progress…

Harmony Montessori International:

Known to be one of the finest up-and-coming education institutions, the school has gone from strength to strength through simple word of mouth.

Without an attached ground to its advantage, HMI has had to rely on a renting a nearby turf to conduct sports and outdoor activities. Here, we look to consistently improve the football and basketball programs for primary and elementary grade students. Over time, the intent is to help develop sports for the school.

In Numbers,

(2020-21)

Football & Basketball,
2 coaches for each, teach 30 elementary grade students aged 6 to 12 years, twice a week.

Highlights:

Planned and executed their Sports Day to full effect.

(2022-23)

The school has shifted base and no longer holds access to sports facilities. Yet, children from the school continue to roll in to play both sports.

Highlights:

Work in progress…

Holy Cross High School:

One with a modest background and minimal outdoor space and facilities; having garnered a go-ahead from the then principal of the school, we were fortunate enough to seek permission from a neighbouring institution that remained humble and human enough to share their space for a good cause. An act of nobility and kindness of this measure in today’s day and age is rare to come by.

Making the ut’most of it, we continue to build the physical education and training program as a tribute to the same late ex-principal of the school — whose devotion, dedication and commitment to children has inspired us to be and do better with our younger generation. His inherent love for children, and doing everything is his position for their well-being, is something we look to resonate with and continue on.

In Numbers,

(2020-21)

Football,
2 coaches teach and train 12 students aged of 10 to 14 years.

Highlights:

First to introduce regular football coaching for a dozen selected students from the school. This of course is just the beginning.

(2022-23)

Football & Basketball,
With a coach for each sport, children from the school continue to learn and train.

Impact:

In a major boost to the system, Aditi Alungal from the pilot batch in both sports has been honoured with the ‘Sports Captain’ badge at her school — the first boy or girl to do so after turning pro.

Grassroots Teams & Individuals:

Together, they form the backbone and heartbeat of sports — giving every child an equal opportunity to play and perform basis their individual interests, be it recreational or competitive. And herein lies its beauty.

Working in conjunction with such personnel serves as an enabler to reach children across the sphere and beyond boundaries.

In Numbers,

∞

Juhu Hamara Festival:

A socio-welfare group dedicated to the elevation of arts, culture, sports, and the overall community. The festival draws people of all ages from around the city and promises a fun week of parks and recreation.

As the newest and youngest member of the team, the collective effort is channelled towards bettering the professional front of the platform while retaining its main ingredient — the community.

In Numbers,

(2020-21)

Backed by UPL, into its 14th Edition and held annually at Ecole Mondial World School ground, the festival drew over 1000 children from all over Mumbai.

Impact:

A good foundation had already been laid before we stepped in. In our first effort here — the 13th edition in 2019, we were successfully able to amp up the football tournament into a league and build upon the inclusivity of girls’ teams in the U8 and U14 age categories.

(2022-23)

Coming up…

In Support With…

Kids Concept:

It’s a boon to have an ever-passionate support system in KC. As an education partner, this nursery and playgroup instills the spirit of sports at an early age through their preschool program.

It’s the support and guidance given in the formative years of your life that decides your journey ahead. KC helps promote and encourage just that!

For more on KC, go to kidsconcept.in

Goalsquad:

Sports can be quite the immersive experience when you throw in the added element of fun. Enter Goalsquad!

The earliest entrant in the original merchandise and e-commerce game, have stepped in as our customised kit manufacturers. As a homegrown grassroots initiative, watching our kids don these kits, we couldn’t be more grateful!

For more on GS, go to goalsquad.com

Staying Strong in Sports!