Childrens Charity, India
by Suyash Agate – OSCAR Young Leader
Sometimes, inspiration begins at home. For Faizan from Andheri, Mumbai it started with his brother and a simple introduction to football and the OSCAR Foundation that would go on to shape his journey.
Faizan did not grow up playing football and had few opportunities to play. It was his brother, a beneficiary of the OSCAR Foundation, who first introduced him to the game. More importantly, he introduced Faizan to OSCAR – a place that would soon transform his journey.
“Whatever I am today and the fact that I’m playing football, is because of my brother. He taught me how to play and introduced me to the OSCAR Foundation.” Faizan
Behind this journey also stands the quiet but powerful support of his family. Faizan’s parents, especially his father, consistently encouraged him to play and be part of football activities. Their support allowed him to learn, grow and engage in a positive environment. This encouragement gave Faizan the confidence to continue showing up, practicing and improving.
What began as curiosity soon turned into commitment. At OSCAR, Faizan found a safe environment where he could push his limits. Starting from the basics, he gradually built his skills through regular training and consistent effort.
But OSCAR’s impact went far beyond football. A core part of Faizan’s journey was the development of life skills, an essential pillar of OSCAR’s approach. Through the programme, he learned teamwork, communication, leadership and decision-making. These skills helped him gain confidence, both on and off the field and shaped him into a more focused and responsible individual.
Equally important were the opportunities that OSCAR provided; one such opportunity became a defining milestone, his selection in the OSCAR Mumbai League. Competing at this level marked a significant achievement in his journey. It was a moment that reflected not only his dedication and perseverance but also the continuous support and guidance he received.
“There are far better players than me, so getting selected made me feel very happy and proud. I never thought I would reach here. I learned a lot from every match, it helped me understand the game better and improve myself.” Faizan
Playing in the OSCAR Mumbai League allowed Faizan to showcase his abilities on a larger stage and gain valuable experience in a competitive environment. It strengthened his belief in himself and showed him how far he could go with the right support system.
Today, Faizan’s journey stands as a powerful example of transformation, from not knowing how to play football to playing in the OSCAR Mumbai league, where children from across the city are selected. His growth has been remarkable.
His story also highlights the ripple effect of impact. What started with his brother’s involvement in the OSCAR Foundation became the foundation of Faizan’s journey, while his parents’ encouragement ensured he could continue participating and growing. Today, his journey is celebrated not just by his family but also by his batchmates, coaches, friends, and community members, who take pride in his achievements and continue to support and encourage him every step of the way.
Faizan’s journey is still unfolding, but it carries a clear message: when young individuals are supported and given the right opportunities, they can grow, thrive and inspire others along the way.
Would you like to support young change makers like Faizan? Donate here.
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