Main Takeaway: Launched in Kolkata under the Ministry of Education in partnership with FIFA and UNESCO, the Football for Schools (F4S) Programme aims to empower 700 million children globally by integrating football and life-skills training into school curricula.
Background and Objectives
Football for Schools (F4S) is an ambitious educational initiative run by FIFA in collaboration with UNESCO. It seeks to make football more accessible to both boys and girls by embedding football-based activities within the formal education system. The programme is designed to:
- Empower learners with essential life skills (teamwork, leadership, communication, respect) through structured football sessions.
- Train coach-educators, equipping them to deliver both sport and life-skills modules effectively.
- Build capacity of schools, football associations, and public authorities to sustain and expand the initiative.
- Foster collaboration between governments, educational bodies, and FIFA member associations to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Launch in Kolkata
On June 29, 2025, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the F4S Programme at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fort William, Kolkata. Key highlights included:
- Distribution of 2,487 footballs to 349 Kendriya Vidyalayas across West Bengal, reaching over 1.5 million students initially.
- Announcement that 88,113 footballs will be distributed statewide, with approximately 10 lakh footballs planned nationally.
- Exhibition matches and life-skills workshops led by trained coach-educators under AIFF and SAI support.
Programme Components
- Digital App & Learning Platform:
- Free F4S mobile application featuring 100+ session plans and basic lessons, accessible via Google Play and App Store.
- Online portal hosting detailed curricula and training modules for stakeholders.
- Equipment Provision:
- Distribution of FIFA-approved footballs and basic gear to participating schools.
- One-off USD 50,000 grant per FIFA member association to kick-start local rollouts.
- Educator Training:
- “Master trainers” workshops where physical education teachers receive intensive three-day training, enabling them to cascade knowledge to others.
- Focus on embedding life-skills outcomes into every football activity.
Children engaging in football and life-skills training under F4S
Global Scale and Impact
Since its pilot in 2019 (Puerto Rico, Lebanon), F4S has expanded to over 105 countries, positively affecting tens of millions of children. Africa leads with 70% of its member associations on board. With a target of 211 associations, F4S remains on track to reach 700 million children worldwide by reinforcing the link between education, sport, and social development.
UPSC Preparation Strategy
Key Areas to Focus:
- SDGs linkages: Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Good Health & Well-Being (SDG 3).
- Programme governance: Role of Ministry of Education, UNESCO’s Kazan Action Plan, Incheon Framework, WHO GAPPA alignment.
- Implementation challenges: Infrastructure gaps, gender inclusion, digital access for remote schools.
Sample Questions:
- Analyze how the Football for Schools Programme contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through sport and education integration.
- Evaluate the challenges and opportunities in scaling F4S across India, considering geographic and socio-economic diversity.
- Discuss the role of public–private partnerships in enhancing life-skills education in Indian schools, with reference to F4S.
By understanding F4S, UPSC aspirants can illustrate innovative educational policy models, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and sport as a tool for holistic development—key themes in Governance, Social Justice, and International Cooperation.