Sachin Tendulkar Foundation extends help to empower women’s football players

The Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF), backed by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, played a crucial role in empowering girls partaking in the U-20 football camp. The aid from the foundation helped around 250 girls from 55 different villages in Bengal. These girls are preparing for the national training camp organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The AIFF had scheduled the training camp in Chennai last month. However, a few of the young participants were set to miss attending this programme owing to their monetary circumstances. One such case was that of Sonali Soren. She had earned a call-up to the camp. Hailing from a poor tribal family in the Kalna region of east Burdwan, she had very few resources to pursue her passion. But the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation came to her aid.

Focussing on nutrition and general well-being

Sachin Tendulkar came across the plight of such athletes via Shreeja India, an NGO, and tied up with its Dhatrigram centre in mid-2022 as part of its ‘Football and Beyond’ programme. This sports-based education programme is aimed at eradicating gender inequality and ensuring girls have a bright future.

“We are extremely grateful to STF for becoming our partner in this journey to empower girls. We especially want to thank his wife Anjali ji for being actively involved in assuring that every girl here gets wholesome nutritious food every single day,” Somasree Basu, the programme manager of Shreeja India, said.

Sachin Tendulkar has long been a supporter of women’s empowerment through sports. The Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF) is now providing assistance for a football program that includes training, equipment, nutritional support, education and other necessary resources.

“STF especially focuses on their nutrition. All the girls are served nutritious food every day,” Basu added.

The Sachin Tendulkar Foundation has already been involved in many such initiatives concerning children. Along with the ‘Parivaar Education Society’, it is changing the lives of children in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh. It has also contributed financially to support the Happy Feet Home centre in various aspects.