With expertise from UK, a group of underprivileged girls in Kolkata will now get football training to get the best out of them.
UK's culture and sports secretary MP Sajid Javid today launched a community football development programme for students of Orient Girls Shiksha Kendra, a free school for underprivileged girls.
As part of their physical education curriculum, about 200 girls will participate in 'Premier Skills' programme which uses football as a tool to develop community coaches and referees and on supporting community projects.
An international collaboration between the Premier League and British Council, Premier Skills takes the best of UK expertise in utilising football as a force for good and uses it to create opportunities for young people all over the world.
During his trip, Javid also met four young Kolkata Goalz participants who have been selected to take part in a Christmas Truce tournament in Ypres (Belgium) this December.
It is organised by the English Premier League to mark the famous truce in 1914 during World War I, during which soldiers from opposing troops played football during an unofficial ceasefire.
The fourth edition this year will be a special World War 1 centenary 'Football Remembers' tournament with teams playing at both the under-13 elite level, and at the community level.
"Football is a big sport in Britain. Many people say it is Britain's national sport however others might say its cricket just like it is so popular here in India. I think sport
is at the heart of any country's culture," Javid said adding that it is important for them to show the connection between football and culture.
When asked whether English Premier League clubs can be a part of the Indian Super League, he said, "I am sure we are trying to look at ways to increase their engagement".
In Delhi, he is scheduled to meet Union Minister for Communications and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad.
"We will discuss internet governance and the technology economy. When it comes to internet there is a lot to do in terms of global co-operation," Javid said.
