FIFA and UNESCO Collaborate for Sports Education: Football for Schools Workshop in Pune

Balewadi, 8th October 2023: The FIFA ‘Football for Schools’ Capacity Building Workshop, held on October 5 and 6, 2023, at the Shiv Chhatrapati Krida Sankul in Mahalunge-Balewadi, Pune, marked a significant milestone in the realm of sports education in India. This two-day workshop, a collaborative effort between FIFA and UNESCO, was aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of football coaches and educators working in schools across India.

The workshop commenced with a briefing on the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) program by Mulrajsinh Chudasama, who underscored the significance of football in schools and its profound impact on the physical and mental development of students.

Shri Charanjit Taneja, representing the Ministry of Education, expressed optimism about the capacity building of the 100 sports teachers participating in the program, emphasizing that their efforts would soon yield positive results.

Mrs. Sona Seth, Dy. Commissioner KVS Mumbai, highlighted the value of playfields as ideal learning spaces, providing ample opportunities for games teachers to impart valuable life skills to children.

In the afternoon session, a workshop was conducted for 100 participants hailing from various educational institutions, including Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs), All India Football Federation (AIFF), and state schools. Led by Alberto Giacomini and Melvin Mendy, this workshop aimed to enhance coaching skills and instill a love for football among students.

The overarching goal of Day 1 was to equip coaches and educators with the knowledge and expertise required to use football as a tool for enhancing students’ physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership abilities. The commitment and dedication displayed by both organizers and participants bode well for the future of football education in schools.

The second day of the workshop saw practical sessions led by Alberto Giacomini, a distinguished FIFA Coach and Educator. Sixty-two students from various Kendriya Vidyalayas and football clubs were organized into seven groups for these sessions. The practical training aimed to elevate the skills of teacher trainers who play a pivotal role in guiding students during practical football sessions. The workshop concluded with the presentation of diplomas to participants, symbolizing their commitment to promoting football education in schools.