From Fear to Football: Ilsha’s Journey of Empowerment

Juneja Ilsha, a twelve-year-old, is in the seventh grade and lives in a vibrant community in Gujarat with her family. By participating in football trainings organised by Youth Football Club Rurka Kalan (YFC) and From Field to Fanshop, Ilsha has become a confident young woman. 

New perspectives

"Before the sports training, we used to waste a lot of time doing nothing, sitting idle, and not moving during school breaks," Ilsha recalls. "Our only expectation was to have a sports teacher." This lack of direction left many students, especially girls, feeling undervalued and disconnected from opportunities that could foster growth and development.

The arrival of the project marked a significant turning point for Ilsha and her peers. "Before YFC, we were not involved in any activities," she shares. "Now, we have learned that there should be no gender distinctions between girls and boys; they should be treated equally and given equal opportunities to study. And one should always be confident."

These lessons had a profound impact not only on Ilsha but on her entire school community. She observed a drastic change in the behaviour of her classmates, particularly the boys. "Previously, boys were undisciplined, disrespecting girls, punching benches, and throwing papers at each other. However, the boys' perspectives have completely changed. Now, they respect girls and value things."

Embracing Sports

One of the most significant aspects of project is its emphasis on sports. Initially hesitant, Ilsha found the courage to participate in football, a sport she once feared. "Previously, I was afraid to join in sporting activities, but after much effort, I was able to play in a football league match. I was worried I'd lose, but our team won, and we earned a trophy and a certificate. My parents are now quite proud of me."

This newfound confidence in sports mirrors Ilsha's evolving view on gender equality. "Previously, I believed that girls and boys couldn't play together since boys are considerably stronger than girls. After the arrival of YFC, I learned that girls can participate in sports alongside boys, compete at an equal pace, and even perform better than boys."

A ripple effect

Ilsha's journey has inspired many of her friends, including those who initially lacked confidence. "One of my friends did not want to play due to a lack of confidence, but after seeing me play and win the match, she too wants to play football." The ripple effect of Ilsha's courage and determination has been profound, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Today, Ilsha is a confident young woman with self-esteem and leadership skills: "Yes, I feel quite confident in my ability to lead the team as captain. Now, if I'm given a task, my team and I will try our best to finish it as efficiently as possible."

Looking ahead, Ilsha sees a future brimming with possibilities. "After five years, I will be in college, concentrating more on my studies, and will be able to make use of what I learned from the programme. Now, I am hopeful that with time, there will be a strong team of girls as well as boys."

From idle days to winning matches with her football team, Ilsha's journey testifies to the transformative power of initiatives like "From Field to Fanshop." Her story shows the impact of providing girls with opportunities to learn, grow, and lead, fostering a future where gender equality and empowerment are not just ideals, but realities.