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 means and reach to 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 accessible, 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.

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 and other surrounding schools.

Highlights:

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

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.

Impact:
Our children, Kavya, Meera & Radhika, from AVM Juhu school have been selected for the Maharashtra team participating in the AIFF Sub-Junior Girls’ National Football Championship held at Amritsar, Punjab in September 2023.

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.

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.

However, 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, the aim is to consistently improve the football and basketball programs for school students.

Impact & Highlights:

Planned and executed their Sports Day. Now, help facilitate it to full effect.

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.

Impact:

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

Highlights:

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

Mauzam Khan from the same batch was awarded with the ‘Best Athlete’ trophy at the school.

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 and/or competitive. And herein lies its beauty.

Working in conjunction with such personnel acts as an enabler in reaching children across the sphere and beyond boundaries.

Impact & Highlights:

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

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 & Highlights:

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.

Into its 14th edition, we were successfully able to take it to the next level and convert the format into a competitive league.

In Standing With…

Kids Concept:

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

After all, it’s the support and guidance given in the formative years that decides the course of 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!