Slum Soccer exists to foster sustainable development within otherwise marginalised populations of India. They aim to provide long term solutions to combat rife homelessness and improve living standards within underprivileged areas. Their approaches are centred on building self-sufficient communities. The game of Football is our means to that end- connecting individuals, teaching life skills and working towards improving overall quality of life.
Homeless and slum communities host a variety of complex issues on a daily basis. Prominence of sexual and domestic abuse, unemployment, alcoholism, drug usage, malnutrition and mental health issues and a cycle of disengagement from the education sector almost condemn these communities to a continuing struggle- preventing them from being successfully involved in an already disparate society.
All they ask them to do is kick a ball. That simple act is therapeutic in itself. As a first step, they attempt to give the participating players hope and purpose. Their centres act as safe places free of discrimination; providing positive role models and a place to develop and enjoy one self.
