WIFA and MCGM join hands to launch Just Play Programme
December 26, 2016: The Western India Football Association (WIFA) with the support of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and Mumbai City FC is proud to announce the launch of the award-winning Just Play programme in the state of Maharashtra. Just Play is an Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) programme developed in 11 Pacific countries in partnership with the Australian Government, the UEFA Foundation and the Football Federation of Australia and UNICEF. Based on the success of the programme in the Pacific, the Football Federation of Australia (FFA) took the initiative with OFC to develop the Just Play programme in India partnership with All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The Just Play sessions are expected to begin in 10 schools in Mumbai from March of next year. The programme is eventually expected to cover approximately 80 schools and reach 30,000 children across Maharashtra by the end of 2017. Besides the Greater Mumbai Region, the programme is also expected to cover schools from parts of Maharashtra such as Kalyan / Dombivali, Ambarnath and Thane.
Speaking on the occasion Mr Aditya Thackrey said ” Football is the most loved sport in the world and Government of India, SAI and WIFA, has joined hands with the BMC to promote the sport. Just Play is a movement where the kids will learn about Sanitation, Hygiene and Gender equality along with Football and our aim is to introduce this in all the 1121 municipal schools and we will also be training all the PT teachers of these schools”.
These social objectives were identified based on the fifth five-year plan of the Central Government and the consensus of all partners involved. Social messages linked with these two objectives are incorporated in football sessions in a fun and interactive manner.
“We would not only be able to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children but also create pathways between Just Play and our WIFA grassroots Programme. “said Mr Henry Menezes, the CEO of Western India Football Association.
Mr Menezes also spoke about involving D- license coaches and sports management student to assist with running Just Play sessions in schools in the future and assist in monitoring the impact of the Programme on children and the wider community. “This would be their chance to give back to the community “Mr Menezes added.
Capitalizing on the momentum of the FIFA under 17 World Cup, an advocacy campaign focusing on ending violence towards women and children will also be formally developed and launched by WIFA early next year.
While FFA and OFC will assist AIFF and control the quality of the Programme, Just Play Maharashtra will be implemented by the WIFA with people from the state for the people of Maharashtra. Building on from the experience in the Pacific, the programme design recognises that the most critical factor in ensuring long-term success as well as sustainability is local ownership.
Mr Franck Castillo, the OFC Head of Social Responsibility along with Ms Supriya Kulkarni Padhye, OFC Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist worked with WIFA to train the future Just Play Maharashtra team on Monitoring and Evaluation as well as Project Management in Mumbai earlier this month.
Just Play is a sport for development programme designed to target children aged 6-12 years. Through the Programme children learn, grow and explore sport in a positive and meaningful way. Through the integration of social messages into all sessions and activities, children learn healthy sanitation habits, encourage gender equality and increase their school and community engagement.
The expansion of the Just Play Programme into India has been made possible because of the support of the Australian Government and the UEFA Foundation for Children.
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
Blue Tigers miss chances to settle for a draw against Afghanistan
Afghanistan 0drew withIndia 0 ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA: India played out a goalless draw against hosts Afghanistan at the Damac Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia, in their third FIFA World Cup 2026…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…