Childrens Charity, India
In a powerful milestone for India’s grassroots sports movement, eight exceptional Young Leaders, founder, Ashok Rathod and trustee Anil Rathod from Mumbai-based NGO, The OSCAR Foundation are preparing to cross continents and barriers as they fly to Scotland in June 2025. Hosted by the prestigious University of Edinburgh, this immersive programme will blend education, sport and culture, spotlighting the voices of our young change-makers who have risen from some of the most underserved communities in Mumbai, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Daman.
OSCAR Foundation, celebrated for its transformative “No School, No Football” rule, uses the power of sport and life skills to rewrite the future for children growing up in poverty, living in tiny one room houses, no running water or facilities and lacking mentorship. With over 15,000 lives impacted and 1,000+ youth trained as community leaders, OSCAR is building futures and creating international exposure trips transforming lives.
“Before OSCAR, I never imagined I would step outside my neighbourhood, let alone represent my community in another country. This opportunity is not just for me, it’s for every child who’s ever been told they can’t,” Pooja OSCAR Young Leader
With Edinburgh University, these inspiring young OSCAR ambassadors will do more than just participate in a fully immersive education programme, they will lead. They’ll share stories of resilience, challenge stereotypes and motivate conversations with Edinburgh students and communities around inequality, youth empowerment, global issues and discover and explore further education courses and career opportunities which will change their lives.
“This exchange exemplifies everything we stand for: education, inclusion and the power of human connection. We are honoured to host these incredible young leaders and excited to build long-term ties between our communities,” Professor Kev Dhaliwal, University of Edinburgh
This is just the beginning. In 2026, the exchange will come full circle as marginalised youth from Scotland journey to Mumbai creating a two-way learning, empathy and action. This ground-breaking collaboration is redefining what global youth leadership looks like powered by football, rooted in equity and driven by the hope of young people fighting for a better life.
“Growing up in a humble community in Mumbai, I saw how the lack of access to education and guidance made many give up on their dreams. The real hurdle wasn’t a lack of ambition, but the absence of belief and direction. Over time, this quietly made many feel their dreams were no longer within reach but I found the OSCAR Foundation and hope and belief returned.” Suyash Agate, OSCAR Young Leader.
More information: Lucinda@oscar-foundation.org
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0rrn6y5ugprxks59wpu67/AMTB8axFKSyVDXWHGloC12g?rlkey=6dgk5ovlvy7baihkjir4n6d7t&st=l2tjofeh&dl=0
WITH VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO Alexandra and Iona at University of Edinburgh for all their hardwork and dedication to creating the amazing itinerary.
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