A group of ten teenagers from Rurka Kalan, a village in Jalandhar district, Punjab, India, is gearing up to represent India at the 5th Street Child World Cup in Mexico from May 5-15. This tournament, organized by the London-based charity Street Child United, aims to combat the stigma surrounding street-connected children through sports. The players, aged 14 to 17, are part of the Youth Football Club (YFC), which focuses on using football as a tool for social change. The academy, which houses about 65 players, has redirected grassroots activism into a cooperative sports model, helping youth navigate social challenges while pursuing international opportunities.

The squad has been training under former international defender Anwar Ali, who believes in their unique talent and potential. This marks YFC's third participation in the tournament, having previously won in 2010 and competed in 2022. The teenagers are not only excited about representing their country but also about experiencing their first international flight. Players like Sam Masih and Silas Sidhu share personal stories of resilience, emphasizing the significance of this opportunity for their futures. With community support and determination, they aim for a podium finish in Mexico.