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Football Unites India: Slum Soccer's National Cup
24 Feb
Summary
- Slum Soccer uses football to transform lives of underprivileged youth.
- The National Inclusion Cup brings together diverse teams from across India.
- Former participants like Isha Silare inspire by playing and refereeing.
The 23rd National Inclusion Cup recently convened in Goa, showcasing the transformative power of football through the efforts of Slum Soccer. Sixteen teams, representing diverse backgrounds from across India, competed for a chance to join the Indian team for the Homeless World Cup.
Players like those from Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Jharkhand, who have faced significant infrastructural limitations and limited access to facilities, found a unique opportunity. For many, this was their inaugural experience with a competitive team setting, receiving their first jersey and fostering a newfound belief in themselves.
Founded by Vijay Barse, the inspiration behind the film 'Jhund,' Slum Soccer aims to build character and provide life-changing experiences through sport. Abhijeet Barse, CEO of Slum Soccer, highlighted the organization's challenges in securing funding, emphasizing their focus on using football to create broader societal impact beyond just athletic development.
Isha Silare, a former participant, has become a beacon of success. After representing India at the Homeless World Cup in Seoul in 2024, she went on to officiate matches there, becoming the first attendee to both play and referee at the same event. She also refereed in Norway last year, describing it as an "unimaginable moment."
Selection for Team India is based not solely on skill but also on sportsmanship, values, and character. Former Homeless World Cup participants serve as selectors, understanding the true spirit of the tournament. This selection process offers a life-altering opportunity for these deserving individuals.
