Football for Schools (F4S) Programme

Category: Education & International Organisations | GS Paper II

SEO Title: FIFA Football for Schools Programme in India: Objectives, Partners and Implementation

UPSC Notes

Football for Schools is an international educational initiative that integrates football with learning and life skills for children.

  • International partners: FIFA and UNESCO.

  • Launch: 2019.

  • Target age group: Children aged 4–14.

  • Global coverage: Designed for implementation through FIFA's 211 member associations.

  • Indian MoU: Signed on 30 October 2022 by the Ministry of Education, AIFF and FIFA.

  • Indian implementation: Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti is identified in the source as the nodal agency.

  • Programme targets: Approximately 25 million students in 1.4 lakh schools over four years.

  • Activities: Distribution of footballs, training of physical education teachers and a free mobile application.

  • Social objective: Encourage girls' participation, inclusion and teamwork.

Key Pointers for Prelims

  • FIFA: International football governing body.

  • AIFF: All India Football Federation.

  • The programme uses sport to support education and life skills.

  • Gender inclusion is an important component.