Braving a cold and gloomy afternoon, a group of boys gets ready to kick off a game of football. The coach yells instructions and they take their places around the small dirt field.
The boys are all juveniles in conflict with the law, who have recently started football training while waiting to be bailed out of the observation home they live in. Some are first-time offenders, while others have been back for multiple stays at Prayas Observation Home in Feroz Shah Kotla here. But on the field, they are teammates and enemies. Blue versus yellow.
The football academy, set up by Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre Society and Unite Soccer Society at the home, aims to give an outlet to the boys, who are all from disadvantaged backgrounds and have not had opportunities for recreation. The academy was started in March for the inmates. The organisation recently started holding training-cum-counselling sessions at Chhatrasal and JLN stadiums so the boys can continue playing football after being bailed.
One of the stars on the field, a 10-year-old ran away from his home in Jharkhand after his mother beat him up. He ended up at the observation home a week ago after stealing a phone in Outer Delhi. After five football classes, head coach Naresh Mann says he has shown great promise.
“We are tapping the boys who have potential. They are here for 14 days to three months. We are trying to get them interested so they continue training after leaving the home,” Mr. Mann says, as a cheer goes up. The yellow shirts have just scored their third goal.
A 15-year-old repeat offender says he enjoys football and may continue to attend classes even after he leaves the observation home. “I lack stamina, but I have figured out a way. I stand on the side for a while to take a break and keep yelling ‘pass’ so the others think I’m playing,” he says with a smile.
Prayas founder and general-secretary Amod K. Kanth says the football academy was the “best thing” to happen to the boys.
“Playing football has a cathartic effect and a psychological impact, besides the physical effect,” he says.
Counselling sessions with the boys and their families before they leave the home have now started to focus on the role of football. Prayas joint-secretary and director (projects) Vishwajeet Ghoshal says some of the boys have started seeing football as career option.
“When the families come to the stadium for counselling, they see the boys in full uniforms, branded shoes and the whole game. It has an impact,” says Mr. Ghoshal.
