From The Chennai Slums To The World Cup - The Football Journey Of These Kids Is Truly Inspiring

After a long day at school, 16-year-old Sangeetha Sekar returns home only to change into her bright yellow jersey and football spikes before rushing for her practice sessions. Growing up in the slums off Wall Tax Road in Egmore, her tryst with the sport began at a young age. Rubbing shoulders with the boys in her neighbourhood, Sangeetha paid little heed to society's scorn as she fearlessly tossed the ball around.

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And the petite schoolgirl is now all set to play at a stadium in Glasgow for the Homeless World Cup beginning on July 10. The annual football tournament involves teams comprising underprivileged people from 64 countries. Sangeetha is among 20 others selected by Slum Soccer, an organisation using football to empower the underprivileged, to represent Team India.

A strong passion for the game saw her break away from the shackles of a rigid patriarchal system.

"My mother was against me joining a coaching camp after people told her the sport wasn't meant for girls. But I left home on the pretext of going to my NGO, the Karunalaya Center For Street And Working Children, in Tondiarpet, through which I got to know about the camp," laughs Sangeetha.

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"My mother was furious but when I returned clutching the 'Most Promising Player' trophy, she was thrilled."

Abandoned by her alcoholic father seven years ago, Sangeetha's family finds it hard to make ends meet. After an eye operation that left her mother unemployed, her elder sister became the sole breadwinner. But today, from being a Class 9 dropout to juggling football and Class 12 lessons, Sangeetha has come a long way.

"Everyone in my locality is so excited about the world cup that they've organised a function to felicitate me," says Sangeetha.

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On the muddy playground nestled between the shabby, unkempt streets of Pallakumanagar in Mylapore, Team India's practising hard with Scottish coach Andy Hook. The stench from spilling bins and stagnant water hasn't stopped many like 21-year-old L Sairam.

"After I joined Slum Soccer in 2013, I learnt that there is more to the game than just kicking the ball," says the Dani Alves fan, who's soon joining Slum Soccer as an assistant coach.

While his mother is keen on seeing him donning a black suit and tie for an IT job, Sai prefers his loose jersey and spikes.

"People said I was wasting my time on this sport but now they look up to me," says Sai.

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"Children here never went to school but had an interest in football. When I told them they can play on the field only if they go to school, they started attending classes regularly."

Hailing from the small town of Udumalpet, Prabahar M is really excited about the world cup.

"Seeing me, many others from his community have learnt the sport," says Prabahar, who plans to take up football as a career.

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The tournament acts a confidence booster.

"They become community heroes as it's an honour to represent your country. It encourages other children from the same background," says Kailash Chandramohan, coach, Slum Soccer.