Elsewhere In Football #24
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
India Continues to Deliver
It’s been another inspiring and eventful month here in India as Sahayak continues its mission of bringing football to underprivileged children. With school exams now complete, the children are enjoying a well-earned break before stepping into the next chapter of their academic journey. This natural pause has also offered a moment to reflect—on the progress made over the past eight months, and the exciting road that lies ahead as we move into 2026.
Strong Foundations Are Being Laid....
At the heart of any successful development program lies one crucial element: a strong foundation. At Sahayak, our focus remains clear—build the widest possible base by reaching as many children as we can. The greater the participation, the richer the talent pool we can nurture in the years to come.
Currently, we are coaching over 800 children every week across 9 schools in Haldwani. With plans already in motion to expand into 3 more schools and launch 5 after-school clubs, we are on track to reach an incredible milestone of 1,500 children being coached weekly.
Our structure across schools is consistent and intentional:
- Junior Kicker Program (Grade 1 and below): At this early stage, the focus is simple yet powerful—help children develop a natural relationship with the ball. Through imagination-driven games and varied movement activities, we create an environment where joy and curiosity lead the learning process.
- Right to Play Program (Grades 2–5): As children grow, so does their connection to the game itself. At the U8 and U10 levels, our goal is to deepen that relationship—encouraging creativity, confidence, and above all, a genuine love for football.
Looking ahead, we aim to expand into another district in Uttarakhand, replicating our model and further strengthening these foundations. Growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating lasting impact at scale.
Coach Development: The Key to Long-Term Success.....
If strong foundations are the base, then coach development is the engine that drives everything forward.
This year marks the launch of our Coach Development Program—an initiative I am deeply passionate about. From my earliest days here, working directly on the field with local coaches, one thing stood out clearly: the enthusiasm and commitment of Indian coaches is undeniable.
Since moving here full-time, I’ve immersed myself in studying Indian football—its systems, its challenges, and its opportunities. This has helped identify both strengths and gaps in how coaches are trained and supported.
Now, the focus is on building solutions.
This program brings together a blend of global insights and personal experience:
- Influences from the TOVO Academy and its connection to Johan Cruyff’s philosophy
- The innovative “Game Mind” approach, emphasizing instinct and decision-making
- The “Football Starts at Home” philosophy, encouraging natural, self-driven learning
- Advanced understanding of movement, speed, and physical development in football
By combining these elements with practical experience and local context, we aim to create a coach education system tailored specifically for India—one that empowers coaches to inspire the next generation effectively.
Finding Balance: Family and Community.....
Away from the field, life in Haldwani offers something different—something grounding.
While the city may not provide a bustling social scene, it has created an opportunity for deeper connection. Time with family has become more meaningful, and integrating with the local community has brought a richer, more authentic experience of life here.
A recent visit from my dad made this period even more special. Being able to show him the work we’re doing here meant a great deal. His support has been a constant throughout my journey in football, and sharing this chapter with him was both important and rewarding.
India Continues to Deliver.....
Every day here brings new challenges, new lessons, and new opportunities. But above all, it brings progress.
From the smiles of children discovering football for the first time, to the passion of coaches eager to learn and grow—India continues to deliver in ways that inspire and motivate.
And this is just the beginning.
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