Help Bhaichung Bhutia achieve his football dream!

Who are we?

Indian Football Foundation (IFF) is a not-for-profit organization founded by Bhaichung Bhutia (former Indian Football Team Captain) as his passion project to develop Indian Football at the international level.

IFF is specifically focused on identifying and supporting India’s most talented young footballers from economically weaker sections by providing them a platform for their development into professional footballers. With a strong focus on youth development, IFF looks at supporting footballers in the age group of 7 to 19 years by providing various financial and non-financial resources for their well-being and development.

Through its strategic partnership with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) - India's largest football training program, IFF is able to connect with young and budding footballers all across India and provide them a chance to follow their dreams of playing football.

Our Initiatives

One of IFF's initiatives to support footballers is the BBFS Residential Academy - the first residential football academy by BBFS - that aims to provide best in class football training, boarding facilities, and quality education to nurture children into becoming professional footballers. IFF and BBFS have supported over 350 scholars by providing financial support for their football training, local travel and medical needs.

IFF and BBFS have conducted trials and scouted talented players from over 17 cities all across India including New Delhi, Noida, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Bangalore, Kochi, Manipur, Shillong, Orissa, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, etc.

Why should you support us?

BBFS Residential Academy currently houses 53 students scouted from all over India out of which 16 students have been granted a 100% scholarship owing to their poor economic background. The total cost of funding these 16 scholars amounts to INR 54 lakhs.

Through this campaign, IFF seeks your help in sponsoring 1 out of these 16 scholars - Michael M. Raji.

Michael's story

11-year old Michael hails from Laitkor Rngi, a small village in Shillong, Meghalaya. Coming from a humble background, Michael's father is a car painter while his mother is a home maker. Owing to the state of utmost poverty that Michael’s family lived in, at a young age of 8, Michael started off his day by going door-to-door selling newspapers and delivering water to be able to cover his school fee and a bus ticket of 15 rupees. Every day, after having earned a few pennies, little Michael would head off to school to watch his school team play from a distance and silently imitate and learn football tricks in a corner. On his way back home, he would stop by at a local shop to catch glimpses of his favourite teams playing on the television. It was at the age of 9 that he developed a strong fascination towards football and began practicing daily with the village lads.

One day, in 2017, Michael’s passion for the sport made him follow one of his friends to a football coaching academy in Shillong. However, since he was not in a position to afford coaching, one of the coaches told him to try his luck at the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) trials that were going to take place in Shillong that year. With a passion stronger than all odds, Michael stood outside the BBFS trials barefoot with only a 10 rupee note in his hand cursing his inability to pay for the trial registration. It was then that one of our coaches spotted the zeal to play in his eyes and allowed him to appear for the trials for free. To Michael’s and everyone’s surprise, he came out as one of the best players amongst 1000 participants and was offered a 100% scholarship at the BBFS Residential Academy. 

Even though his parents did not support him at first, eventually they saw Michael’s love for football and allowed him to fly to Delhi. Since then Michael has been excelling not only in football but also in academics. He plays as a striker, idolizes Ronaldo and supported Belgium during the FIFA World Cup 2018. With the dream of representing India one day, Michael wishes to make his parents, coaches and the country proud!

Please join us in helping Michael get one step closer to achieving his dreams of playing professional football and becoming India's next football star!

Programme Cost

The total programme cost for sponsoring 1 child is estimated to be approximately INR 3,36,000. This is mainly divided into 7 heads – Personnel, Academic tuition fees, infrastructure, lodging, food, apparel and competitions. The break up is given as follows:

IFF seeks your support in providing financial assistance to provide full scholarship to Michael with the aim of transforming his life by making his a professional football player and giving him a chance to represent India.

Through the power of child sponsorship, you can help a child in need realize his dreams. Transform a life by becoming a sponsor today!

Each contribution makes a difference! 

Visit us:

 Website: http://indianfootballfoundation.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iffindia/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbfschools/

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