Sports to Combat Addiction- 'Sports for Change'

In the South Indian state of Kerala, BREADS’ Sports for Change initiative is creating safe and empowering spaces where children and young people can grow through sports, even exploring careers in this field, as a result of their growing confidence and resilience, and staying away from the risks of substance abuse.

During the last reporting period, we received US$100 through the GlobalGiving platform in support of this initiative. We sincerely thank our donors for standing with us. Every contribution strengthens our efforts to create opportunities for young people, particularly those from vulnerable and marginalised communities. We are happy to share one story of change from the field.

Keerthana, 18, from Attenganam in Kasaragod district, belongs to the Mavilan tribal community. From a modest family where both her parents work as daily-wage labourers, she had limited opportunities to pursue organised sports. Football was something Keerthana loved, but until recently, she had only played informally in her village. While completing a three-month informal Hotel Management training course at Don Bosco Tech, Chullikkara, Keerthana learned about the formal football coaching available at Don Bosco Sports Hub, Chullikkara, supported through BREADS’ Sports for Change initiative.

She joined the Sports Hub and soon became a regular participant in its coaching sessions and activities. With consistent training, encouragement and opportunities to compete, Keerthana steadily developed her football skills and, equally importantly, her confidence.

Her progress soon became visible. Keerthana represented Don Bosco Sports Hub at the state-level Don Bosco Sports Hub Football Tournament in Thrissur, contributing to her team's victory. An even bigger opportunity followed when she represented Kasaragod district in the first Kerala Tribal Soccer League, organised by Kudumbashree in collaboration with the All Kerala Tribal Soccer Association. At the tournament, Keerthana's performance earned her the Best Defender trophy.

The recognition has brought another meaningful change closer to home. When Keerthana initially told her mother that she wanted to pursue football rather than hotel management, her mother was hesitant. Seeing her daughter's determination, progress and achievements on the field gradually changed her perspective. Today, she supports Keerthana's dream of pursuing football. Keerthana's journey shows what can happen when talent meets a safe space, structured coaching, encouragement and opportunity. For a young woman from a marginalised tribal community, football has become more than a game—it has become a pathway to confidence, recognition and new possibilities.

Her story is one of the many reasons we continue to invest in Sports for Change.