Recently, FCNono had the privilege of visiting Nagoya High School's soccer team to deliver a special lecture. The theme of the lecture was about “Why Do We Kick the Ball?”. This session aimed to explore how soccer is perceived in developing countries and how it contributes to empowering women in rural areas.
The Power of Soccer: A Perspective from Developing Countries
During the lecture, we highlighted how soccer is viewed in developing countries—not merely as a sport but as a tool for social change and community development. Using our experiences in rural India as an example, we explained how soccer goes beyond the field to foster community cohesion and serve as an educational platform. We also showcased how soccer has helped girls and women in rural areas build confidence and develop leadership skills. The sport becomes a shared language that breaks gender barriers and creates opportunities for education and empowerment.
Contributing to Women’s Empowerment
We also shared FCNono’s ongoing efforts to address challenges faced by women in rural communities through sports. Key initiatives included:
Leadership Development: Providing opportunities for women to take on leadership roles through team sports.
Improving Access to Education: Using soccer as an entry point to encourage participation in school and lifelong learning programs.
Promoting Gender Equality: Inspiring communities to recognize that women can be at the forefront of change.
We also discussed how our soccer programs in rural India are integrated with hygiene education and health awareness campaigns, yielding to tangible results in advancing women’s rights and well-being.
Interaction with the Soccer Team
After the lecture, we held an interactive Q&A session with the team members. They raised thoughtful questions such as, “What can we do to contribute to society through sports?” and “How can we use soccer to bring about change here in Japan?” Their enthusiasm and curiosity were truly inspiring.
In a remarkable development, two team members reached out to FCNono’s representative, Mr. Hagiwara, via email after the session, expressing their desire to get involved in our activities. This led to an online meeting where they shared their aspirations and discussed how they could contribute to FCNono’s projects, both in Japan and abroad.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
The lecture sparked a wave of inspiration among the participants. Many shared feedback such as, “I’ve gained a new perspective on the potential of soccer,” and “I want to take action and make a difference.”
The proactive outreach from the two students has further strengthened our commitment to nurturing young leaders through sports.
At FCNono, we remain dedicated to creating positive change through soccer and other initiatives. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Nagoya High School’s soccer team and everyone who made this event possible. Together, we can continue to shape a brighter future!
Thank you very much, Yamada sensei! and Mr. Saruta san, for this precious opportunity!
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