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Teenager from the Bangalore Yellows selected to play for Sri Gajanana
A school drop-out and a runaway, 18-year-old Suresh is now living his dream and playing state-level football for a Karnataka junior team. And he has managed to finish his 10th standard in school.
Suresh had a rebellious childhood. His parents were constantly fighting over family issues and he began to hate being at home. He ran away to his uncle's house in Andhra Pradesh.
He came home when his parents found out where he was, but got involved with a notorious gang of boys. He started to loiter on the streets and got involved in petty thefts. Suresh is a bright student, but dropped out of school during his ninth standard.
Oasis India started work in the Doddigunta Community, where Suresh lives. One of our youth workers asked if he would be interested in joining daily football practice. He was reluctant because practice was early in the morning, but thanks to home visits by our youth worker, we eventually got him to come along. His family has also received counseling.
Suresh quickly developed an interest in football and worked hard during practice. Our youth worker found another school for Suresh where he has been able to complete his 10th standard. To begin he didn't say much but now he is happy to be spending time with his friends and he makes them laugh, trying to imitate the south Indian actors.
Suresh attended a Kick Start sports camp, held in Mahabalipurum in partnership with the Christian Sports Fellowship. This camp helped Suresh a lot.
When he got back from camp he took part in a selection day for the Sri Gajanana team. Many officials from the football fraternity were there, as well as the coach from the Karnataka Association. They were very impressed with Suresh's playing and he was selected to play for the juniors. He has been given the Karnataka football strip, a dream come true for many footballers.
Suresh and his younger brother inherited their skills from their father, an ex-footballer who played for the LRDE Team. He wanted his sons to take up the sport too. Both the boys have been playing since their early school days. It used to be very difficult to get to the state selections, but through Oasis India's efforts and our networking with the Football Association, our community boys have the opportunity to shine and to show off their skills.
Kick Start
A 4 day football camp was held in May for youth from Bangalore and Chennai where the boys received tips and training from professionals.
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