Uniting for Change: How Four Women Are Transforming Lives Through Football

In the heart of Gujarat, four remarkable women from diverse backgrounds came together, united by a shared vision—to redefine their lives and the futures of the young girls they coach through football. For some, the journey to football was an unexpected one, a path they stumbled upon; for others, it was a deliberate choice to defy expectations and pursue their passion. But no matter how they arrived at their destination, their journeys were driven by resilience, a force powerful enough to dismantle age-old societal norms and gender roles.

Today, these women stand tall as game changers (football) coaches for Project Nanhi Kali, where they train and inspire a new generation of girls. Their greatest milestone to date: being named to the prestigious State- Level Female Coaches list in Gujarat—a triumph not only for them but for the entire community. Their stories are a testament to courage, perseverance, and the power of sports to reshape lives.

Game-changer 1: Darshana

Kicking Down Barriers with Every Goal

Darshana joined Project Nanhi Kali in 2017 as a Community Associate (CA) with little knowledge of football. Hailing from a conservative family that placed immense value on sons, Darshana yearned to become the son her parents never had.

Her hard work soon earned her the title of Best CA at her project site in Jambusar, Gujarat, but when football was introduced to the project, Darshana saw a new opportunity—a chance to change lives through sport. She embraced the game wholeheartedly, coaching young Nanhi Kalis at the Academic Support Centres (ASCs). At first, the community resisted, reluctant to allow their daughters to play football. But Darshana, fuelled by her dreams and determination, didn’t give up. She built trust with her parents, showing them the value of the sport, and soon the community rallied behind her.

With an E-licence and D-licence in football coaching, which is a preparatory course conducted by the All India Football Federation, Darshana is now a certified game changer coach training 60 girls. Her journey has shattered gender stereotypes, proving that with patience, resilience, and passion, even the most deeply ingrained societal barriers can be overcome. She has paved the way for a generation of girls to follow their hearts, no matter where that leads.

Game-changer 2: Anjana

Scoring Dreams, Defying Expectations

Anjana’s story begins in the small village of Pilundra, Gujarat, where she once excelled as a volleyball player. However, after completing her education, her dreams of a sports career seemed distant. Returning to her. village, she found herself without a platform to use her talents—that is until she was introduced to Project Nanhi Kali in 2018.

Joining the project as a CA, Anjana quickly discovered a new love—football. Under the mentorship Lisa Travella Murawsky, Sports Director, Nanhi Kali ‘Sports For Life’ Program and Disha, Football Coaching Consultant, she learned the ropes and rekindled her passion for sports. Yet, just as she was finding her footing, her family’s expectations began to weigh heavily on her. They wanted her to marry, but Anjana wasn’t ready to give up her dreams. Standing firm against family pressure, she found an ally in her father, who encouraged her to pursue her goals.

Today, Anjana is a certified coach, and she inspires Nanhi Kalis to resist the societal traditions that hold them back, reminding them that it’s okay to dream differently and live life on their own terms.

Game-changer 3: Dimpal

Empowering Girls, One Goal at a Time

Dimpal joined Project Nanhi Kali in 2020 with a keen interest in sports, and soon, she found herself immersed in football coaching. Though she began shy and uncertain, Dimpal’s dedication during the master classes for coaches helped her blossom into a skilled and confident coach.

Now coaching 60 Nanhi Kalis in Samni Village in Bharuch, Gujrat, Dimpal has become a figure of strength and commitment for her community. Her hard work and discipline are contagious, inspiring the girls she coaches to show up on time, work hard, and play with passion.

Dimpal’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. The Village Sarpanch was so impressed with her work that he stepped in to provide football kits for the girls, further boosting the community’s support. For Dimpal, the pride she feels in watching her students grow is immeasurable. She’s determined to continue this path, knowing that she’s not just shaping her future, but the futures of all the girls she coaches.

Game-changer 4: Mayuri

From the Sidelines to the Football Field

For Mayuri, football was never part of the plan. When she joined Project Nanhi Kali as a CA in 2021, it was simply a means to support her higher education. As a hardworking and career-driven young woman, Mayuri quickly rose through the ranks and was soon invited to join the football coaching team.

What began as a job quickly transformed into a passion. With every practice session, Mayuri sharpened her skills and grew in confidence. The once shy, quiet girl who joined Project Nanhi Kali is now a powerful, fearless leader, guiding more than 50 Nanhi Kalis in Pilundra Village, Gujarat. Football has become more than just a sport for her—it’s her purpose.

In Mayuri’s words, “Football is like medicine—it keeps me alive.” Her journey from reluctant participant to passionate coach is a testament to the transformative power of sports. Through football, Mayuri has found her voice, her calling, and a way to uplift the lives of countless girls, just like her.

A Brighter Future through Sports

As the final whistle blows, it’s clear that these women are more than just football coaches—they are trailblazers, role models, and change-makers in their communities. Their journeys, filled with courage and defiance, have not only redefined their own lives but also laid the groundwork for generations of girls to break free from societal constraints. Through the universal language of sports, they have shown that determination and unity can overcome even the deepest-rooted challenges.

These four women are rewriting the narrative for girls in Gujarat, proving that the power of sports extends far beyond the field. Through Project Nanhi Kali, they are breaking down barriers, challenging gender norms, and inspiring a new generation of girls to dream big. Their passion, resilience, and determination have turned football into a vehicle for change, showing that when women unite for a cause, they can transform not just their own lives, but the lives of an entire community. As they continue their journey, they carry with them the hopes of many, a testament to the extraordinary impact one can have when they dare to defy the odds.