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Kickstart Equality

Nurturing Girls’ Talent for Football through Leadership

Based on our decade long learning that sports such as football can be a gamechanger for gender equity, this initiative aims to tap, nurture and unleash the sporting potential of women and girls.

It started in 2011 when there was no template to address gender equality through sports, with a handful of girls belonging to the vulnerable communities in Jamia Nagar. Not only did it completely transform the girls’ confidence levels and outlook, but it also had a ripple effect on their families and communities.

From 25 girls, today over 2.3 lakh girls have undergone our programme, with our players participating at the club, state, national and international levels. We’ve also built a cadre of over 60 women football coaches across India. Over the years we’ve consolidated our efforts, with the programme successfully running in communities and schools across Delhi-NCR, Nuh district (formerly Mewat) in Haryana and Alwar district in Rajasthan. 2024 onwards we are partnering with grassroots organisations to replicate and scale up the programme to other states.

A graded, inclusive football programme, it has led to positive outcomes for girls such as retention in school, more girls opting for dignified careers and livelihoods, enhanced confidence, decision-making and leadership qualities, increased outdoor activity and mobility, better social networks and expanded circles, health and well-being focus, delayed marriage, improved gender norms, reduction of gender discrimination, parent buy-in and support and access in the community.

Supporters

All India Football Federation (AIFF)| Aston Villa Football Club (AVFC)| Anu Aga Family Discretionary Trust| Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiative Pvt Ltd (APPI)| Bombay Suburban Electrical Supply (BSES) Rajdhani | FIFA Foundation| Premier League | Delhi Soccer Association | British Council| Delhi Government Women & Child Department | Delhi Government SCERT | DIrect Aid Programme - Australian Commision of India | Football Federation of Australia| Goals for Girls, USA | Hinduja Foundation| Jamia Millia Islamia University | Laureus Sports for Good Foundation| MCKS Trust| Ministry of Netherlands, India | Roop Automotives Ltd| TAP India Foundation| Hero Motors Pvt Ltd| UNDP| UNFPA| UNESCO| Goals for Girls | Delhi Dynamos| Sanskriti School | Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya

Key Features:

A blend of ‘sports for development’ and ‘sports development’, creating pathways to excellence through an inclusive initiative, open to all age groups, with different levels of engagement

Kickstart Equality Football Module – On-ground and in-classroom life skills curriculum covering community and school-based engagement throughout the year

Technical Football and Competitive Participation– Sports camps, ongoing training and mentoring with certified D licensed coaches, participation in competitive matches, leagues and tournaments

Leadership Development – Participation in public forums, campaigns, capacity building trainings and advocacy opportunities 

Coaches Development – Training and certifications ( licenses – E grassroots, D, Premier Skills, AFC C diploma), scholarships, exposures and mentoring for elite football 

Lifecycle Approach – Expansion of girls participating through ‘virtuous cycle’ and role modeling, where many become peer educators and coaches

Advocacy for Women’s Football – Partnering with key stakeholders and organisations for an increase of investment in women’s football in India

Holistic – Engaging with women’s collectives, men & boys, parents, community/stakeholders and institutions to build an enabling environment 

Highlights

CEQUIN Players Pyramid based on the recommended model by All India Football Federation

Testimonials

I want to make my school & village proud like Sachin Tendulkar. I want to become a player like Mala didi. I love playing football ! Initially I used to get very tired with sore muscles, but now my body has adapted. Since we couldn't afford a football, I made one with cloth rags and rounded up all the boys and girls in my neighborhood. Now everyday we play at my house and I teach them how to kick, shoot and run with the ball ! I convinced my whole family to start eating black gram as it's good for one’s health.

Mantasha12 years, participant, Ghaseda Village, Nuh-Haryana

The staff and girls of CEQUIN added so much value, energy, perspective, and passion to our Goals for Girls Leadership Summit in Delhi. We absolutely loved having them participate, and learned so much from their staff regarding best practices. We look forward to having CEQUIN involved in all of our India-based Leadership Summits to come!

Jackie SkinnerDirector Operations- Goals for Girls, USA

I joined CEQUIN’s ‘Kickstart Equality’ Football programme at 13 years of age. I was a shy girl with no confidence. Through my continuous engagement with CEQUIN I grew as a person. I participated in leadership summits organized by international organizations, Premier Skills coaching courses and even got my D-License. I play football professionally for Eves Soccer Club, Delhi and am a coach at Hindustan Football Academy, The British School, Delhi and at CEQUIN. I have started my own NGO ‘Fairy Fari Foundation’. Today at 26 years of age I am a different person. I am motivated, ambitious and confident. Nothing can stop me from achieving my dreams. I have found my voice.

Anne Aiza Khan26 years, Footballer & Coach, Founder Fairy Fari Foundation

After these training sessions, my confidence levels have increased and I feel that I have a leadership ability and that I can make my mark in football. A big challenge that i faced was - since our home football ground is at a distance of about 3-4 kilometers, my parents weren't allowing me to travel alone all the way. After many conversations, I was finally able to convince them, and then they started sending me to play football. Today I am the leader and captain of my football team and bring all the children from my community and other areas to the same football ground. It is my responsibility to pick up and drop all the children back to their homes safely. My parents don't stop me from going out anymore and have now given me the freedom to eat, drink and study just like my brother.

Afsha14 years , participant, Okhla Vihar, Delhi

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