Image: Let's play Football!
Image Courtesy: IYSA
Text by: Tanya Munshi
Arup Das, 37, was at the top of an advertising career when he made a life -changing decision, six years ago. He decided to leave advertising to teach kids football/soccer. Today Das, who is Delhi based, is the founder, secretary and trustee of the India Youth Soccer Association. IYSA was formed in 2000. It is a platform for boys and girls to play their favourite sport -- football!
"My aim," says Das, "was to make football a part of life in India. In the late 90s, football was becoming popular among kids and it was a good time to promote the game in the country."
"My aim," says Das, "was to make football a part of life in India. In the late 90s, football was becoming popular among kids and it was a good time to promote the game in the country."
An early passion
Sports was always a passion for this Jamia Millia University graduate. In college he did cross-country, middle-distance running and always had a keen interest in football. A Manchester United and Ajax Amsterdam fan, Das learned football on his own. "There were no academies or coaching programs when we were kids. We learnt by going through the few coaching books that were available and watching videos of matches. There are still very few opportunities for children to learn and play football today," he says. Das realised there was a need, even today, for kids to learn football from professionals and that became the start of a new mission.
He has inspired 2000 kids
To run a football organisation you need access to a football field. "Initially, we had help from a school in Delhi. Now we hire school or sports stadium grounds on weekends," remembers Das.
"The biggest drawback with most football organisations and clubs, and this includes us, is that practically no one owns their own football field."
Football fields, Das explains, are either owned by the government or schools and colleges and they make it difficult, sometimes impossible, for people trying to develop football, to use their facilities.
But, in spite of these difficulties, over the last six years, IYSA's number have shot up from 74, in 2001, to 500, in 2006. Over 2,000 children from different schools and non-profit organisations play with them. These kids mainly belong to the age group of 6 to 14 years.
"The biggest drawback with most football organisations and clubs, and this includes us, is that practically no one owns their own football field."
Football fields, Das explains, are either owned by the government or schools and colleges and they make it difficult, sometimes impossible, for people trying to develop football, to use their facilities.
But, in spite of these difficulties, over the last six years, IYSA's number have shot up from 74, in 2001, to 500, in 2006. Over 2,000 children from different schools and non-profit organisations play with them. These kids mainly belong to the age group of 6 to 14 years.
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Soccer leagues
IYSA's main program is the mini soccer league. Says Das, "This year, 500 kids have played in 60 teams every Sunday from October to March. The league has both boys and girls in five different age groups, and is designed to encourage children to play football."
He says, "We follow FIFA recommendations for the development of youth football which is to enhance football for kids in a step-by-step format that makes it fun and enjoyable."
IYSA's main program is the mini soccer league. Says Das, "This year, 500 kids have played in 60 teams every Sunday from October to March. The league has both boys and girls in five different age groups, and is designed to encourage children to play football."
He says, "We follow FIFA recommendations for the development of youth football which is to enhance football for kids in a step-by-step format that makes it fun and enjoyable."
Other guidelines include: emphasis on mini teams, small-size pitches and the focus is on learning and developing rather than winning and losing. The leagues are open to any child. Children from over 50 schools and NGOs in Delhi have participated. On weekends around 16 referees and coaches are outsourced fo the league. Kids also learn values like teamwork, fair play, discipline and the fact that only if they 'practice harder' will they become really good players.
Level playing field
Das's endeavour has been to maintain IYSA as a non-profit organisation that can be a platform for underprivileged children as well. IYSA offers scholarships for kids to participate which offsets the cost of soccer kits, boots, shin pads and travel.
"I would like to see football become as popular in India as it is in other parts of the world. That will only happen if football becomes a professionally-run and managed sport," he says
If this happens he says football players can earn a decent living. More kids and youth will be drawn to the sport. The industry will grow and the Indian teams and players will be able to compete with the rest of the world. Despite his busy schedule, Das hopes to find time for yet another passion -- art. Does he plan to set up a platform for young artists too? Well, we will just have to wait and watch.
"I would like to see football become as popular in India as it is in other parts of the world. That will only happen if football becomes a professionally-run and managed sport," he says
If this happens he says football players can earn a decent living. More kids and youth will be drawn to the sport. The industry will grow and the Indian teams and players will be able to compete with the rest of the world. Despite his busy schedule, Das hopes to find time for yet another passion -- art. Does he plan to set up a platform for young artists too? Well, we will just have to wait and watch.
Contact information:
Arup Das
Arup Das
Trustee India Youth Soccer Association (IYSA)
G-4 South Extension Part 2
2nd Floor
New Delhi -- 110049
Tel: 91.11.41641450
Email: arupdas@indiayouthsoccer.com
Website: http://www.indiayouthsoccer.com/
Published in Rediff.com, on December 13, 2006
Link: http://specials.rediff.com/getahead/2006/dec/13slide5.htm
Link: http://specials.rediff.com/getahead/2006/dec/13slide5.htm
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