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Sanpada residents train children of construction workers in football, form Palm Beach Boys club

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The residents of Moraj Residency and Gunina in Sanpada have been instrumental in making a difference in lives of Zayed and his friends, children of construction workers staying within Sanpada. These had immense interest in football and it was the initiative of these generous residents who have been training them for the last three years. They not only honed their sport skills, but also provided them with basic education and employment facilities.

To the surprise of the kids, they even attended the Indian Super League last week, "Three years back, we noticed these kids playing barefeet in the slush at a ground next to our society. They did not even have a football to play with. Seeing their zest for the sport, we were urged to start training these kids. Although they did not have proper clothes, they would still enjoy the game and this motivated us to teach them," says Mohan Negi, a resident and football lover. "Personally, I am a great football fall. Looking at the enthusiasm of the kids, we neighbours often discussed about them and on one Sunday, we approached them."

The children were so keen about the game that they learnt the techniques quickly and this led to more residents joining the camp to train them. Finally, a club called, the Palm Beach Boys was formed. Children from these residential areas also join the sessions during weekend. "As time passed, we provided them with jerseys with the club name on it. The word spread about our club and we got few sponsors to help us with shoes, knee and ankle pads. This was a great motivation for the kids to play better. We took the children as part of our club to participate in football tournaments held in Navi Mumbai. They have also won matches held at Fr Agnel School. Through interaction with these children, we realised their needs," says Manish Juyal, another resident and member of Palm Beach Boys.

Another resident, Jaykumar Kallodi, says, "We selected two boys to be part of the Airtel Manchester United competition. One of them got qualified for six rounds and came amongst the top 120 footballers in the city. We were so glad as they are trained under limited facilities and it is their talent that has helped them reach this position."

Zayed, who has been a part of this club since its inception, says, "We used to play almost naked in the ground, but since the time they have formed this club we have received a lot of exposure. After being part of various tournaments, I learned new techniques from fellow participants and the instructors as well. We still continue to play on the same ground, but the residents have managed to get it levelled and suitable for playing."

Negi says, "We conduct matches every weekend and on public holidays as well. Although the kids play here everyday, residents join them during weekends. They are provided with snacks and we also celebrate birthdays with them. As most of these children do not know their birthdays, we make them a part of our celebration and share our food with them as well."

Rupa Mahadevan, resident of Gunina building, says, "We had also asked a mobile education bus to come near this ground and teach our kids. The children very enthusiastically managed to receive basic education, after which we moved them to municipal schools as they were from varied age groups. Zayed was also given a sewing machine so that he could work for a living." They were also taken to watch matches at the ISL.

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