Master Training Of Football For Schools (F4S) Kicked Off At Sambalpur, Odisha

On October 2, 2023, a two-day master training program for capacity-building within the F4S program was launched in Sambalpur, Odisha. This event saw the participation of 95 Physical Education Teachers/Trainees from various States/UTs, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and AIFF. The primary goal of this training was to equip these educators with the skills and knowledge needed to promote football as an integral part of physical education.

Football for Schools (F4S) – Transforming Physical Education in Indian Schools

Football for Schools (F4S) is an ambitious program spearheaded by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). In collaboration with the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, and the support of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), F4S aims to revolutionize physical education in Indian schools. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to empower millions of children across the country through football, fostering holistic development and empowerment.

Partnerships and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

The foundation for F4S was laid when the Ministry of Education, AIFF, and FIFA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the 30th of October 2022. The program designated Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya as the nodal organization responsible for its execution. Under this MoU, the F4S program will provide government schools across India with a significant resource – 11.15 lakh footballs, along with the necessary capacity building.

Empowering Millions Through Football

At its core, F4S aims to empower approximately 700 million children by integrating football into their education. This initiative recognizes the potential of sports, particularly football, in fostering holistic development. It emphasizes accessibility for both boys and girls, collaborating with relevant authorities and stakeholders to make football an integral part of the education system. In India, FIFA has taken the lead in introducing this transformative program.

Future Training Programs: Pune and Bengaluru

The commitment to enhancing physical education through football does not stop in Sambalpur. FIFA has planned two more master training programs in Pune and Bengaluru on the 5th and 6th of October 2023. With approximately 200 participants set to join (100 in each venue), these teachers/trainees will play a pivotal role as master trainers at the state level. Their expertise will be instrumental in further expanding the program’s reach and impact.