FIFA Football for Schools Program Expands Across Indian States and Union Territories

The FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) program, launched on December 3, 2023, at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Cuttack, Odisha, has made significant strides, expanding to various districts and states across India. The initiative, part of the broader FIFA Football for Schools project, is focused on making football more accessible to students within the school setting, promoting a love for the game and a healthier lifestyle.

The F4S program is a collaborative effort between the Department of School Education & Literacy, the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya serves as the nodal organization for the F4S program, aiming to contribute to the education, development, and empowerment of around 700 million children globally.

The program has expanded its reach to districts including Angul, Dhenkanal, and Deogarh in Odisha, as well as North Goa and South Goa in Goa. It has also reached the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

FIFA F4S, with its transformative journey, seeks to integrate football activities into the education system, benefiting over 1.5 lakh schools in India. The program’s multi-dimensional approach focuses not only on introducing the joy of playing football but also instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and fitness, contributing to the holistic development of students.

Key highlights of the FIFA F4S program include collaboration, integration, nodal organization, and gender inclusivity. Capacity-building and Train-the-Trainer programs have been conducted in Bengaluru, Pune, and Sambalpur, with approximately 300 physical education teachers and trainees participating. The aim is to leverage their training as Master Trainers at the state level, fostering the growth of football in schools across the country.

–IANS