Football helps these children kick drugs

Chennai: Vyasarpadi is the city's ‘Little Brazil'. Just 800 metres from a corporation school that was busted in Aug because children were using drugs is the Mullai Nagar playground with a football ground and artificial turf that has become a lifeline for youngsters after residents in 2014 pooled in money."Football as a career is not unattainable anymore here. Nandakumar Sekar from this neck of the woods, represents India in the Indian Super League," said N Umapathy, one of the founders and chief coach of STEDS, an NGO that provides free coaching to children, focusing mainly on those from low-income families."I too want to represent India in football," said Anil (name changed), a Class IX student a nearby school who comes to train every day from 4pm. Like him, 350 other young boys and girls from low-income families train on the ground for free. Some come from 6am to 7.30am and from 4pm to 9pm on weekdays. The NGO provides them with jerseys, shoes, and other equipment through sponsorships. "We began the free coaching to educate children using sports. They will have the right outlet to spend their pent-up energy. Also, it is a safe and healthy environment for them, unlike most of their neighbourhoods," said Umapathy. "The role models are also from the same community."Many not only pursue football as a career but also benefit from the sports quota for education and employment. Janani Devanathan, a 19-year-old football player from Vyasarpadi, has received a 100% scholarship for her undergraduate studies. "I represented Karnataka in national matches. I am trying to apply for jobs in campus placements now," she told TOI. She lost her father in 2020, and her mother is a daily wage worker with Greater Chennai Corporation.To prevent children from dropping out, the six coaches follow up with them if they miss any session. "We go to their houses and try to address their issues. It is only when they become idle that they become curious or pressured to adopt unhealthy habits," said N Thangaraj, who started the initiative.During the pandemic, more youngsters began getting into drugs and alcohol addiction, said Thangaraj. "All they need is a little care and motivation. Their parents also work hard since most of them do blue-collar jobs," said Thangaraj. "North Chennai needs more playgrounds."The corporation school that was busted for drug abuse has a huge playground, which still does not have a physical training teacher or period.
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