The Ministry of Education has recently partnered with Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and All India Football Federation (AIFF) in an initiative known as ‘Football4Schools’ in India. This initiative aims to stimulate the Prime Minister’s vision of integrating sports into everyday life, while developing well-rounded individuals.
The Football4Schools Initiative
The Football4Schools program is designed to empower around 25 million young boys and girls throughout India through sports-integrated learning. This novel approach aligns with the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
Its primary objectives include equipping learners with valuable life skills and competencies, providing coach-educators with the training necessary to deliver sport and life-skills activities, and building the capacity of stakeholders such as schools, member associations and public authorities to provide training in life skills using football as a medium. The program also aims to strengthen cooperation between governments and participating schools, fostering partnerships, alliances, and intersectoral collaboration.
Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
FIFA stands as the supreme governing body of football worldwide. Established in 1904, FIFA oversees international competition among various national associations, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Today, it comprises 211 member nations and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
FIFA’s primary mission is to spread football globally, advocating integrity and fair play. It organizes and promotes international tournaments, including the men’s World Cup since 1930, and the women’s World Cup since 1991. Six regional confederations are affiliated with FIFA, covering Asia, Africa, North and Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Oceania, and Europe.
All India Football Federation (AIFF)
The AIFF is responsible for managing association football in India. It oversees the functioning of the India national football team and controls the I-League, India’s premier domestic club competition, along with several other competitions and teams. The AIFF was established in 1937 and gained FIFA affiliation post India’s independence in 1947. It is currently headquartered in Dwarka, New Delhi. Furthermore, India was among the founding members of the Asian Football Confederation in 1954.
With these significant alliances, the Football4Schools program is set to bring about a positive change in the field of Indian education, emphasizing the critical role that sports play in holistic child development.
Source: PIB
