OSCAR’s Annual Football Day 2026 – A vibrant celebration.

February 2026

by Swag Mukerji – OSCAR India Ltd Trustee

On 26 January, Mumbai came alive with the energy of more than 800 young people as the OSCAR Foundation hosted its Annual Festival of Football, a vibrant celebration of sport, education and community. Children from low‑income neighbourhoods across the city arrived with unmistakable excitement, many travelling long distances to take part. For them, this festival is more than a sporting event; it is a moment of visibility, belonging and hope.

The day opened with the Indian national anthem and a flag‑raising ceremony led by Mr Makarand Narwekar, local minister, setting a tone of dignity and pride. From that moment onwards, the pitches were alive with colour, noise and movement. Boys and girls of all ages played side by side, showcasing not just their footballing talent but the confidence, teamwork and resilience that OSCAR nurtures year‑round.

This year’s festival was supported by an impressive group of sponsors, both Indian and international – whose commitment enables OSCAR to expand its programmes and deepen its impact. Their presence reinforced a shared belief in the power of education and sport to transform lives.

A special highlight came from Manchester City FC, who sent three coaches to spend the day with the children. They were visibly bowled over by the enthusiasm, discipline and sheer joy on display. Their sessions quickly became a magnet for players and spectators alike, and the coaches left with a renewed appreciation for the talent and spirit emerging from Mumbai’s communities.

I had the privilege of attending with my son, Rohan, who joined us for the weekend to experience OSCAR’s work first‑hand. Watching him interact with the children, volunteers and coaches was a reminder of how sport can bridge backgrounds, cultures and life experiences in the most natural way.

This visit followed the intention I shared before travelling, to spend meaningful time with the OSCAR leadership team, review their programmes, participate in the Annual Football Day and join the Republic Day celebrations. I also spent time in Dharavi to better understand the context in which OSCAR operates and the scale of both the challenges and the opportunities.

A heartfelt thank you

None of this would be possible without the extraordinary people who power OSCAR’s mission.

• Ashok Rathod, OSCAR’s founder, whose vision, humility and relentless commitment continue to inspire everyone who encounters this organisation.
• Lucinda and Julian Sowerbutts, whose long‑standing support from the UK has helped strengthen OSCAR’s international partnerships and broaden its reach.
• The volunteers from schools, colleges and universities across the UK, who brought energy, curiosity and compassion to every interaction, their presence made a tangible difference on the ground.
• And the entire OSCAR India team, whose professionalism, passion and deep community relationships ensure that events like this are not just successful, but meaningful.

Their combined efforts created a festival filled with joy, dignity and possibility, a day the children will remember for a long time.

More than a festival — a catalyst.

What stood out throughout the day was the unmistakable drive and passion of everyone involved — the children, the coaches, the volunteers, the OSCAR team and the community partners who make this work possible. The festival was a vivid demonstration of what targeted interventions, strong local partnerships and sustained commitment can achieve.

Events like this are not just celebrations; they are catalysts. They create pathways, build confidence and remind young people that their potential is real and worth investing in.

The OSCAR Foundation continues to prove that education through sport is not a slogan — it is a powerful, measurable engine for social mobility.