Our Impact

Saba

Saba, a dedicated Young Leader with OSCAR for over five years is the personification of resilience and inspiration to others. Despite growing up in a conservative community and facing numerous challenges, Saba has transformed herself into a role model for the youth around her. Her journey of self-development has not only refined her skills but also touched the lives of countless young girls in our programme, empowering them to dream big. Her extraordinary contributions were recently honoured with the Beyond Sport Courageous Use of Sport Award, presented by WWE. This accolade celebrates her tireless work with OSCAR and the pioneering S4D initiatives she launched independently. Saba’s innovative walking football sessions for women in her community not only offer exercise but also a safe space where women can engage, converse, and support each other.

Govind

Govind’s life has been marked by peaks and troughs. Despite having to drop out of school due to financial struggles, Govind was introduced to OSCAR Foundation. This became a turning point in his life as he enrolled as a participant and started building his way up, to eventually become an assistant manager, a spectacular achievement amongst many yet to come. He helped OSCAR reach nearly 5000 beneficiaries focusing on three projects – children with disabilities, the project in Karnataka and Young Leaders. Govind also launched ‘Enabling Change’, a project he is passionate about, which provides football and life skills to over 100 children with disabilities. Govind then surpassed himself by earning a scholarship to study Sport Management in Leipzig, Germany. In recognition of his achievements, he was invited as a Youth Ambassador to the 2022 World Cup. He is an inspiration to us all!

Zoya

Zoya, a 21-year-old student studying for a BA degree to become a sports psychologist, embarked on a life-changing journey with the OSCAR Foundation after joining our football programme. Her story is one of determination, personal growth, and the unwavering support of her family. Zoya comes from a family that has always stood by her side. Her father, a former national football player, encouraged her passion for the sport. Her calm demeanor and her father’s coaching silenced any critics. Her mother has been her pillar of positivity, showing her a world filled with goals, ambitions, and the importance of perseverance. As a Young Leader in our programme she won the “Beyond Sport – Courageous Use of Sport Award” (2021)

Karan

Karan, a passionate Young Leader from Karnataka was celebrated at the prestigious Cityzens Giving Summit, as one of the best Young Leaders, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his community. His remarkable journey continued in Bangalore, where he was honoured with the Karnataka Khel Ratna award, a recognition for his dedication to sports. In Gulbarga, Karan was also acknowledged with the Prajavani New Achiever’s Award, celebrating his contributions to community development and youth empowerment. One of the most touching moments in Karan’s journey came when Manchester City gifted him a signed Phil Foden jersey. This gesture was not just a symbol of his achievements but a heartfelt acknowledgment of his efforts to mobilize children from villages.

Shraddha

Shraddha joined OSCAR as she was intrigued by the concept of ‘Sports for Development’. After attending football and life skills sessions, she was determined to recreate an environment of fun and learning for children in her community. This led her to enrol as a Young Leader and then start a football and life skills batch in Thane, including an exclusive batch for girls. Our football and life skills sessions at Thane continue to be popular with over 80 children participating annually. Parents and community members hail her efforts with OSCAR, which have now attracted global attention – Shraddha was invited to Qatar and Russia to participate in legacy initiatives for the FIFA World Cup. Shraddha is also passionate about design and illustration and joined OSCAR’s Communications Team in 2018. She contributed to the strengthening of OSCAR’s brand and digital aids. She now works in the Communications department at a Bangalore-based IT firm and freelances as a designer, pursuing her dreams.

Omkar

Omkar’s journey with the OSCAR Foundation over the past seven years has been nothing short of transformative. Before joining OSCAR, Omkar had minimal access to opportunities to become a football player. However, the moment he joined our OSCAR community, his life took a 180˚ turn and he began experiencing adventures, meeting inspiring people, and honing his football skills. With OSCAR’s unwavering guidance, Omkar’s passion for football blossomed. He was selected for the Mumbai City FC U18 Squad and has competed in prestigious tournaments such as the 2nd Division I-League and the U21 Reliance Development League. His story is a heartfelt tribute to the profound impact OSCAR has on the lives of children, by opening doors to opportunities, mentorship, and the realisation of dreams. Omkar’s journey exemplifies how OSCAR’s support and dedication turned aspirations into achievements.

Poonam

Despite tough beginnings, 13-year-old Poonam Gautam rallied around and offered to help her family by getting a job. Her father was adamant that she focus on her studies. Poonam then joined OSCAR’s football and life skills sessions, eventually becoming an OSCAR Young Leader and working to promote gender equity. Despite several challenges, including gender stereotypes, Poonam persisted with her passion for football. Her moment came when she was selected to represent OSCAR at the FIFA Foundation festival during the 2018 World Cup. Her community was inspired to send more children, especially girls, to participate in football and life skills sessions. In recognition of her achievements, she was once again invited by the FIFA Foundation to attend the 2022 World Cup. Her story is a testament to what persistence and hard work can achieve.

Parvez

Parvez discovered his love for football at the age of 10 when he was selected for OSCAR’s football excellence project. Guided by dedicated coaches, Parvez balanced his education and sport, pouring his heart into both. Despite the many challenges he faced, Parvez’s determination never wavered. With steadfast support from his family, peers, and OSCAR, he chased his dream of becoming a professional footballer. His hard work paid off as he played in the I-League for five years and recently earned a spot on Mumbai City FC’s U-18 team. Parvez’s first coach, Rupesh, reflects on his journey, highlighting the immense obstacles he has overcome. He says, “Through OSCAR Foundation, Parvez honed his football skills and learned invaluable life lessons. He developed leadership qualities, built self-respect, and became goal-oriented.” Parvez’s story is powerful evidence of the life-changing impact of OSCAR Foundation, accentuating the importance of providing opportunities, mentorship, and support to help young talents achieve their dreams.

Netravati

Netravati joined OSCAR’s football and Life Skills sessions in Colaba, in 2017. At these sessions, she honed her leadership, communication, and technical football skills. Witnessing the struggles of younger girls in her community, she felt a deep connection and a drive to make a difference. This motivated her to become a Young Leader, after which she returned to her community, mobilizing 35 children and bravely confronting societal barriers of conservatism and patriarchy. Her inclusive spirit shone brightly when she enrolled a transgender person in her programme, marking a significant step toward inclusivity for OSCAR. Netra’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Manchester City FC selected her to represent India at the Cityzens Giving Global Young Leader summit in Manchester. She was honoured as a Premier League Community Captain for her contributions to Sport for Development in India. In 2022, she further solidified her commitment by earning her All India Football Federation coaching badge.

Baburao

Baburao’s journey with OSCAR Foundation began when he was in the 6th grade. It was through the NGO Vidya, which partnered with OSCAR to provide football training, that he first encountered the programme. Baburao joined the sessions and immersed himself in the sport for 3-4 years, developing his skills and passion for the game. His dedication paid off when, in 2014, he was selected for OSCAR’s Young Leaders programme, one of only four students chosen for the transformative three-day residential training. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media, Baburao’s commitment to education and football only grew; he became a teacher at Utkarsh Foundation, provided private tuition, and served as a part-time football coach. His association with OSCAR meant that he could travel to various countries for tournaments and broaden his horizons. From a young boy discovering football to a dedicated teacher and coach, Baburao’s journey is one of growth, resilience, and inspiration.

Priya

Priya’s inspiring journey with OSCAR began at 10 years when she kicked a football for the first time and discovered her true passion. Through OSCAR’s nurturing environment, Priya honed her technical skills and developed exceptional decision-making abilities, both on and off the field, thanks to OSCAR’s comprehensive Life Skills sessions. Her dedication and talent led her to represent OSCAR and India in Denmark in 2019, where she played a pivotal role in winning the Dana Cup, one of the world’s largest football tournaments. Recently, Priya was selected to represent Maharashtra in the U18 category.

Lalu

Lalu Pawar hails from a farming family and joined OSCAR as a young leader in the year 2017 when the Karnataka project began. Today, Lalu coaches around 100 children and delivers Life Skills sessions to them every week. He had discontinued his studies after he completed his 10th standard but resumed them after joining OSCAR. Now, Lalu has completed an ITI course that makes him a trained electrician, a profession he is involved in alongside servicing two-wheelers as well as coaching children in football. Lalu enjoys playing cricket and has set up a cricket pitch using his own funds. By associating with OSCAR he wants to help his community develop further.

Rupa

Rupa became a part of the OSCAR Foundation in 2013, joining sessions in Cuffe Parade. Initially, when she joined OSCAR, she wore jerseys, shorts, and shoes for the first time. Despite facing pressure from her community, she actively engaged in football and life skills sessions for six years. Through this period, her interest in athletics grew, and she focused on improving her fitness. Regular participation in football and walking due to financial constraints contributed to her fitness level. Encouraged by her peers and coaches, she ventured into long-distance running and excelled, achieving an impressive time in a 10k run at the TATA Mumbai Marathon. Over time, she participated in numerous races, earning several medals. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Rupa served as a Home Guard, ensuring safety in quarantine wards and local trains. She is determined to fulfill her ambition of becoming a police officer to enhance her family’s quality of life.

Kishan

Kishan’s passion for football was not just about playing the game; it was about understanding its intricacies and using it as a vehicle for positive change. Under OSCAR CEO, Ashok Rathod’s guidance, he learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. These lessons extended beyond the field, shaping him into a well-rounded individual with a vision for the future. Kishan began volunteering with local youth programs, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for football.

With his background in sports management from GISB, he was well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the sports industry. Kishan has also attended a training camp with the Karnataka Sporting Association, and participated in Mumbai City FC’s Grassroots Training Programme. He took on roles that allowed him to influence policy and develop programs aimed at nurturing young talent. Kishan’s journey from a passionate player to a mentor and leader in the sports community was a testament to his unwavering dedication and the impact of quality mentorship.

Jyoti

Jyoti, a small-town treasure in Rajasthan, had a big dream of joining the civil service world. Her love for football scored her a ticket to the OSCAR UK Tour in 2023, making her village proud as the first girl from her village to jet off overseas. After returning from the UK, Jyoti became a beacon of inspiration in her community, motivating and guiding other girls to participate in OSCAR and pursue their education.

Saif

Saif became a part of OSCAR in 2010 via the Teach for India initiative. His involvement led to two international trips to London and Spain, enriching his knowledge of the global football scene. Saif dedicated four years to the Mumbai Football Association (MFA), representing OSCAR as a defender for the Mumbai district team. His exceptional performance earned him the Best Defender Award from the Mumbai Football Association. He is an inspirational figure to youngsters who wish to pursue football as a career.