Sport India Project #70569

Sports to Combat Addiction- 'Sports for Change'

by Bangalore Rural Educational and Development Society (BREADS)

Project Report | Feb 16, 2026
Young minds to choose Sports over Drugs

By Jibin G Jose | Asst Project Manager

We are pleased to report the successful launch and early progress of the Sports for Change project, currently being implemented across 32 community centres in five districts of Kerala. During this reporting period, we gratefully received a contribution of USD 110 that can strengthen sports initiatives to inspire our youngsters.

Sports for change addresses urgent challenges faced by young people in marginalised communities- including substance abuse, social alienation, and lack of structured engagement. Through structured football coaching, life skills training, and awareness sessions covering topics such as drug prevention, child rights, gender sensitivity, and personal wellbeing, we are forging pathways toward lasting transformation. Centres equipped with trained counsellors also offer demand-based counselling to support the emotional and psychological health of participants alongside their sports and educational activities.

To introduce the programme statewide, a mega launch event was held on 14 November 2025, engaging approximately 4,000 children in a walkathon and mass awareness programme promoting sports as a healthy alternative to drugs. The event was attended by several distinguished personalities and generated strong community interest. Following the launch, sports hubs reported a significant increase in enrolments, with many participants now progressing to represent their communities in district, state, and national-level competitions.

The contribution received during the reporting period has been utilised to train rural children and youth and to procure essential sports equipment to ensure quality coaching. Membership in rural sports clubs continues to grow steadily, reflecting increasing community trust and engagement. Additional initiatives have strengthened the programme’s impact, including the BOSCO Nova Football Tournament, which brought together 610 boys and girls for a two-day event promoting teamwork and sportsmanship, along with regular anti-drug campaigns and value-education workshops conducted across centres.

Coaching sessions are actively underway with a strong emphasis on equal participation of boys and girls. This inclusive approach is helping reduce social stigma while improving confidence, leadership, and empowerment.

We sincerely thank all supporters for believing in our vision of nurturing a drug-free, empowered generation. Every contribution, regardless of size, strengthens our ability to expand this initiative and create lasting, positive change in the lives of children and youth.

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Oct 21, 2025
Inspiring Youth to Choose Sports over Drugs

By Jibin G Jose | Asst. Project Manager

Football practice

We are excited to announce that our Sports for Change project has officially commenced across 32 community centres in five districts of Kerala. With heartfelt gratitude, we received US $10.50 during this reporting period — a meaningful first contribution that marks the beginning of our journey.

Launched to address urgent challenges faced by youth in marginalised communities — including drug abuse, social alienation, and lack of structured engagement — this initiative creates safe and inclusive spaces where children and young people can channel their energy into positive growth. Through structured football coaching, life skills training, and awareness sessions covering topics such as drug prevention, child rights, gender sensitivity, and personal wellbeing, we are forging pathways toward lasting transformation. Centres equipped with trained counsellors also offer demand-based counselling to support the emotional and psychological health of participants alongside their sports and educational activities.

The funds we receive are being used to train rural youth and children, and to purchase equipment necessary for quality coaching. This initial donation has encouraged us to do even more. Every dollar supports our mission to nurture a drug-free generation, instilling discipline, teamwork, leadership, and healthy habits among our young participants. Membership in our rural sports clubs is steadily increasing, and we are deepening our engagement and collaboration with government bodies and other stakeholders to extend the benefits of these clubs to many more young people. We look forward to sharing more inspiring stories as the project progresses.

Already, coaching sessions have begun, ensuring equal participation of both boys and girls — not only engaging boys but also providing opportunities for girls, helping reduce social stigma and promoting their growth and empowerment.

Thank you for believing in our vision of a drug-free, empowered generation. Your support, no matter the size, makes this change possible.

Trial Match of Girl Teams

Trial Match Boys Team

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