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India Today
01-07-2025
- Sport
- India Today
10 lakh footballs for schools: FIFA, central government launch drive
To bring football closer to classrooms, the central government will distribute nearly 10 lakh footballs to schools across India. The aim is to promote sports among students and build a strong foundation for physical fitness and teamwork at the school announcement was made by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fort William in Kolkata, where he flagged off the nationwide football distribution drive under the Football for Schools (F4S) 10 lakh footballs will be given to schools across the country to encourage students to take up football and help grow a healthy sporting culture," Pradhan said during the MEETS EDUCATION IN F4S DRIVE The F4S programme, developed by FIFA (Fdration Internationale de Football Association), focuses on bringing football into the education system globally. In India, it is being implemented by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), with support from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).As part of the programme, FIFA will provide over 9.6 lakh footballs to school children in India, alongside similar contributions to 129 other countries participating in the say the goal is not just to promote football but to introduce children to the values of sport -- discipline, teamwork, and perseverance -- through regular play in initiative is expected to benefit thousands of government and private schools, offering children access to quality sports equipment and a chance to explore football as both a game and a career a rising interest in football among Indian youth, the government sees the F4S programme as a step toward nurturing future talent and encouraging a more active lifestyle in classrooms across the country.(WITH PTI INPUTS)- EndsTrending Reel
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
FIFA, Centre team up to promote football in schools with 10 lakh ball distribution
NEW DELHI: About 10 lakh footballs will be distributed to schools across the country to boost participation in football and nurture a strong sporting culture among students, Union Education Minister Dharemndra Pradhan has said. The minister announced this on Sunday at the PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fort William in Kolkata, where he flagged off the distribution of FIFA footballs as part of the Football for Schools (F4S). "Approximately 10 lakh footballs will be distributed to schools across the country, aiming to boost participation in football and nurture a strong sporting culture among students," Pradhan said. The F4S programme, spearheaded by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), aims to promote football at the grassroots level by making the sport more accessible to students within the school system. In India, the programme is implemented by the DoSEL, with support from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Under the F4S program, FIFA is contributing more than 9.6 lakh footballs for school students in India besides 129 other countries. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
India Gazette
29-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Dharmendra Pradhan presides over kick-off programme for distribution of footballs as part of F4S
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 29 (ANI): Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, presided over the kick-off programme on Sunday for the distribution of FIFA footballs as part of the Football for Schools (F4S) at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fort William, Kolkata, West Bengal. The event was organised by the Ministry of Education and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). At the event, 2487 FIFA footballs were distributed to 349 schools in the Kolkata district. The programme was organised in 21 Kendriya Vidyalayas, simultaneously, covering all districts of West Bengal. In total, 88113 footballs will be distributed across the state, according to a press release from the Ministry of Education. Minister of State for Education and Development of the North Eastern Region, Sukanta Majumdar; Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur; Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education (DoSEL), Sanjay Kumar; Joint Secretary, DoSEL, Archana Sharma Awasthi, officials of the Ministry, along with other distinguished dignitaries and eminent sportspersons, were also present at the event. The school's sports captains (Boys and Girls) shared their thoughts during the event. While speaking at the event, Dharmendra Pradhan shared that, as part of the initiative, footballs would be simultaneously distributed to students in 21 Kendriya Vidyalayas across the state today. He noted that over 88,000 footballs will be distributed in West Bengal alone, benefiting nearly 15 to 16 lakh children. Expressing his personal love for the sport, Pradhan emphasised that even a single football in a small school can inspire children to engage with the game and develop a genuine passion for playing. He further highlighted that approximately 10 lakh footballs will be distributed to schools across the country, aiming to boost participation in football and nurture a strong sporting culture among students. The Minister also kicked off an exhibition football match between two teams at the school. In his address, Sukanta Majumdar emphasised that NEP 2020 envisions sports and other co-curricular activities as integral components of a holistic education. He highlighted the policy's focus on flexibility and a multilingual approach, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conceptualising NEP 2020, and to Dharmendra Pradhan for providing a clear roadmap for its effective implementation. Majumdar further noted that NEP 2020 accords equal importance to academics and sports, promoting well-rounded development among students. A healthy body nurtures a healthy mind, and engaging in sports like football plays a vital role in helping children adopt and sustain a healthy lifestyle, he said. In his address, Shantanu Thakur emphasised the importance of strengthening the sporting skills of children and preparing them for international competition. He underscored the significance of initiatives like this in achieving that goal. Efforts such as these, he said, will rekindle children's love and interest in playing football and foster a deeper connection with the sport. Thakur also noted that such initiatives play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing emerging sporting talent across the country. In his address, Sanjay Kumar expressed gratitude to Dharmendra Pradhan for conceptualising this initiative. He highlighted that lakhs of footballs will be distributed to students across schools nationwide through this partnership with FIFA. He emphasised that the initiative will spark greater interest in sports among children and nurture a sporting culture at the grassroots level. He further noted that, in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, sports are recognised as an integral part of education, underscoring the value of collective participation and the pursuit of excellence. The Football for Schools (F4S) programme, spearheaded by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), aims to promote football at the grassroots level by making the sport more accessible to students within the school system. In India, the programme is implemented by the DoSEL, with support from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Under the F4S program, FIFA is contributing more than 9.6 lakh footballs for school students of India besides 129 other countries (as of January 2025). Building on the success of earlier rollouts in states like Odisha in 2024, the F4S program in West Bengal is part of a nationwide movement underscoring India's commitment to nurturing a sporting culture from the school level. (ANI)
Business Recorder
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
PSB welcomes FIFA school football program invitation
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on Monday welcomed FIFA's exclusive invitation to the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) to join the 'Football for Schools' (F4S) programme, calling it a timely and positive development in the country's football journey. According to the PSB, the recent completion of elections and formal reconstitution of the PFF mark a new beginning for football in Pakistan. FIFA's invitation is being seen as a golden opportunity to promote football at the grassroots level, particularly among school-aged children. If Pakistan confirms its participation, FIFA will provide 164,940 footballs for children aged 4 to 14 across primary and secondary schools, along with a one-time grant of USD 50,000 to help launch the initiative effectively. A PSB spokesperson stated that this is a step in the right direction. With the reorganisation of the Football Federation now complete, we have a real chance to revive sports at the school level, promote healthy activities, and connect our youth with the spirit of the game.' As part of the initiative, schools and educators will gain access to a dedicated Football for Schools mobile application featuring training content and instructional guidance. In addition, FIFA will send a team of experts to conduct capacity-building workshops, either online or on-ground, to enhance the skills of physical education instructors in Pakistan. The Pakistan Sports Board reaffirmed its full support for the initiative and expressed hope that the Pakistan Football Federation will seize this international opportunity to lay the foundation for a brighter future for football in the country, starting from the schools.
