With Sporting Clube de Goa currently standing third with 19 points in the I-League 2, their journey has been nothing short of a thrilling ride. Amidst the intense competition and challenges on the pitch, the club’s technical director, Savio Medeira, speaks to us about football as a catalyst for social change.
Medeira highlights how the sport transcends the game, addressing societal issues, breaking down barriers, and promoting unity. He also discusses the challenges faced by football-based social programs, emphasizing the importance of overcoming these obstacles to create a lasting impact both on and off the field.
“Football has always been more than just a sport. It has served as a platform for political and social activism, with players and teams using their visibility to support or protest social issues. These efforts help bring attention to global causes and inspire change on a large scale,” says Savio.
The sport has a universal language—It transcends borders, bringing people from different cultures, backgrounds, and ethnicities together. It creates a sense of belonging among players, coaches, and fans, while also challenging societal norms and breaking down inequalities, especially in terms of gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Initiatives like the rise of women’s football growing in popularity, anti-racism campaigns, and programs for marginalized communities showcase football’s power to promote equality.
Football also provides young people with an outlet for personal growth, teaching valuable life skills like teamwork, discipline, leadership, and resilience. It fosters emotional intelligence, helping individuals navigate challenges in life. Moreover, football has become a platform for raising mental health awareness. When players speak out for causes like social justice or charity work, they become catalysts for change.
Challenges in Implementing Football-Based Social Programs
However, implementing football-based social programs is not without challenges.
“Lack of resources and funding are the most significant barriers to implementing football-based social programs,” says Savio.
Programs that aim to engage communities require investment in equipment, facilities, and coaching staff, and limited budgets can restrict their impact.
To overcome this, partnerships with local businesses, government entities, and NGOs are essential. Football clubs can also tap into sponsorships, and collaboration with schools and community centers can reduce costs. This ensures that these programs are sustainable and accessible.
“Another challenge is the shortage of qualified coaches. Many social programs struggle to find coaches who can engage young people meaningfully while serving as positive role models. The lack of appropriate training for coaches can hinder the success of the program,” says Savio.
Medeira’s insights come at a time when Indian football is also celebrating coaching excellence. Recently, Armando Colaco, head coach of Sporting Clube de Goa was honored with the Dronacharya Award, India’s highest coaching accolade, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport. Colaco’s achievement underscores the vital role coaches play in shaping not only players’ skills but also in fostering social change through football.
“Investing in coach education is key. Providing training to coaches not only in football but also in youth development, mental health awareness, and community engagement can elevate the impact of the program. Coaches can also be drawn from local communities, which can help make the program feel more relatable and sustainable” further adds Savio.
Sustaining Football-Based Social Programs
Long-term sustainability is another challenge, especially when programs rely on short-term funding. To address this, creating alumni networks where former participants give back to the program—either through mentoring or financial contributions—can help ensure the program’s continuity.
Establishing strong local partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations is also crucial. These partnerships build local support and create a foundation for long-term success, even when external funding decreases.
Conclusion
Football is a powerful tool for social change, offering unity, equality, and personal development. While challenges exist, especially in funding and sustainability, the potential for football to inspire and empower communities remains vast. By addressing these barriers, football can continue to be a force for positive change around the world.
