Pune, India January 2024
Training football coaches and empowering children through sport and life skills
Project Pune was an international sports and education initiative by Collective Minds Foundation in Pune, India, focused on empowering underprivileged children through football, coaching and life skills. During the project, 27 Indian football coaches were trained in football technique, strategy, coaching and personal development, helping them inspire and support a new generation of young players in their communities.
❝The purpose of Project Pune was to equip Indian football coaches with the knowledge and skills to inspire and educate a new generation of young football players. Beyond football technique, strategy and coaching, the project also focused on life skills, character building and resilience in underprivileged children.❞
As part of Project Pune, 27 Indian football coaches were trained in football technique, strategy, training and coaching. Inspired by the principles of the Dutch football school, the programme gave coaches practical tools and insights to support the development of young football players in their communities.
Project Pune was not only about football coaching, but also about life skills, character building and resilience. The programme focused on helping coaches and children grow beyond the game, with attention to personal development and the role sport can play in building confidence, discipline and strength of character.
A special part of the week was the interactive session led by Dr Sreystha Beppari, who addressed the mental health challenges and personal development of underprivileged children. This added an important layer to the project, showing that meaningful youth development is not only about sport, but also about understanding wellbeing, resilience and emotional growth.
The week concluded with a vibrant football day for 65 children from the local community in Pune, India. Filled with energy, joy and passion, the day brought children together through sport and created a meaningful moment of connection between the project team and the community.
This closing activity reflected the wider purpose of Project Pune: using football not only as a game, but as a way to inspire, engage and support young people. It was a powerful ending to a week focused on coaching, life skills and opportunity.
Project Pune ended with inspiring words from our ambassador, Dr. (Prof.) Mahesh B. Thakur, who encouraged everyone to see themselves as more than athletes. His message highlighted the importance of leadership, responsibility and the role sport can play in shaping young people into changemakers in their communities. This reflection gave a meaningful close to the week and reinforced the wider vision behind the project: combining football, education and personal development to create lasting impact.
