Most fans who make it to the World Cup plan at least a couple of years in advance, but three very lucky teenagers from the Ambedkar Nagar slums near Cuffe Parade will be in Russia, where the tournament is in progress, thanks to their footballing skills, a city-based non-profit and the FIFA Foundation.
Poonam Gautam, Lalu Rathod and Akshay Chavan, all 18, are products of a programme by the Organisation for Social Change, Awareness and Responsibility (OSCAR) Foundation, that works to instil value of education and empower underprivileged children and youth with life skills. The trio will leave for Russia on June 26 and return on July 3. There, they will participate in a tournament organised by FIFA Foundation for youngsters like them from more than 40 countries. Their accommodation and travel expenses will be provided by FIFA.
Poonam, the second of four daughters, is pursuing a B.A. degree at Elphinstone College. Her father is employed as a chef at an Indian Navy establishment. Lalu, an undergraduate Commerce student from the same college, and Akshay, an SYBcom student at St. Xavier’s College, are sons of fishermen working at Sassoon Dockyard.
“Earlier, it wasn’t common for girls to play football, more so for those living in our area. This perspective has changed for the better. I feel everyone is happy, including my parents,” says Poonam, who idolises Argentina striker Lionel Messi. Lalu, who hopes to find employment with an international bank, adds, “I love playing football but want a bank job. I want to support my family.”
Catch ’em young
The OSCAR programme now pays the trio and others a stipend of ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 per month to coach children aged five and above in football for two hours every week at the Oval Maidan. Says Lalu, “I’ve never taken a flight, let alone have a passport. I’m very excited. It has made those who know us proud.”
Akshay, who has an injured back due to an accident, plays to learn and teach. “We had no space to study or play; now OSCAR has built a library for us. They have instilled a lot of confidence in us to achieve.”
Suraj Partho, co-founder, OSCAR, said, “Football unites players and only a ball is needed. They don’t have footballing studs for the Russia tournament. We hope the sponsors will step in and do the needful.”