From the streets to stadiums and stardom

Sangeetha (17), who lives on the streets near Central Station, is thrilled to head to Moscow. The captain of the team was a former child labour, rescued and enrolled into school. “I started playing football when I was 14. Earlier, I was working as a child labourer in a steel polishing unit in the city. Through football, I now have a chance to represent my country,” she said, with a hint of pride. 

The all-girls team from the city was handpicked by Karunalaya, an NGO working with Street Child United, a British charity which organises the event once in four years, coinciding with FIFA’s marquee event. For the first time ever, an all-girls team of street children will be representing the country in this international competition. 230 street children from 20 countries from four continents will participate at Moscow. 

“The team will travel to Moscow, along with the captain of the team that represented the country last year and members of the NGO,” said Paul Sunder Singh, founder of Karunalaya, adding that for these youngsters, the toughest part was to get their official documents, since they don’t have a permanent address. 

Through football, these children have been enticed to stay in school. “The condition for being a part of the team is that they should be enrolled in school and do well in their studies. We hold a camp every year to spot talent,” Singh added. The Indian team is led by Sangeetha, and comprises Shalini, Eswari, Gomathi, Keerthana, Mashiha, Indhu, Tamizharasi and Nirosha. Most of these street children come from difficult backgrounds.