About the organization

Slum Soccer enables young people from marginalized communities in India to overcome adversity and build a brighter future with the transformative power of sport. To do so, the organization uses a two-pronged approach. First, it raises awareness of hate and discrimination through its curricula. Discussions and activities focus on challenging stereotypes, prejudices, and biases. Participants talk with each other to promote empathy and understanding for each other. Secondly, Slum Soccer works with the communities' participants live in - many of which have conflict, often stemming from religious or personal differences. Through community outreach, tournaments, and activities, Slum Soccer creates safe spaces for dialogue and invites people from different groups to participate. Every year, on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, the organization hosts a tournament where various religious groups and communities play together on a team to promote tolerance and inclusion.