Rurka Kalan Academy's Teenagers Set to Compete in Street Child World Cup in Mexico
Punjab’s Rurka Kalan academy ready for kick-off in Mexico
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Ten teenagers from Rurka Kalan, a village in Jalandhar district, Punjab, India, will represent India in the 5th Street Child World Cup in Mexico from May 5-15. This initiative aims to use football as a means to uplift youth from social challenges and provide them with international opportunities.
- 01Ten teenagers from Rurka Kalan will represent India in the Street Child World Cup in Mexico.
- 02The Youth Football Club (YFC) academy supports players' education and training.
- 03The squad includes players from various regions of Punjab, showcasing grassroots talent.
- 04YFC has previously won the tournament in 2010 and competed in 2022.
- 05The players view this opportunity as a life-changing experience.
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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.
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This initiative not only provides international exposure to the players but also serves as a model for using sports to address social issues in their community.
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