The great football legend Zinedine Zidane once said, “Football is the only thing that can bring together an entire country.” And honestly, he’s right.

Because football isn’t just about scoring goals or lifting trophies, it’s about bringing people together. Breaking social barriers. Creating equal opportunities. And giving every child a chance to feel like they belong on the field and beyond. In India, that’s exactly what grassroots football can do, and it has already started.

What Is Grassroots Football (And Why It Matters So Much in India)?

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) defines grassroots football as “all football which is non-professional and non-elite.” But in simple words… it’s football for everyone. It’s for the girl aged 8 who has never played with a football yet dreams to play. It’s for the boy from a small town who doesn’t own a costly kit, yet he can run faster than all of his classmates. So for every child – regardless of gender, origin, and where they come from – who needs an opportunity for learning and development through sport. And in a country as diverse and deep as India, an opportunity like that can change everything.

Why Football in India Has Always Had to Fight for Attention

We all know the answer: cricket

Cricket gets the spotlight, the sponsors, and the media love. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s left football struggling for space, resources, and recognition. For years, the infrastructure wasn’t great. Coaching options were limited. And many parents didn’t see football as a serious path for their children.

But the good news is: things are changing.

The Indian Super League (ISL) helped bring football back into the national conversation. And it also inspired a movement at the grassroots level. At BFC Soccer Schools, we’ve seen it firsthand. From school grounds to football coaching in Bengaluru, we’ve created spaces where players can show up, feel included, and fall in love with the game.
 

Is Grassroots Football in India Working? Bengaluru FC’s Experience

At BFC Soccer Schools, we’ve been part of this journey from the ground up.

We’ve taken football to schools and neighbourhoods across Bengaluru. Our grassroots programmes are open to kids aged 5 to 16 – and they’re designed to be fair, fun, and inclusive. And the impact of this effort is already showing. Take Sohum Utreja and Vinith Venkatesh, for example. They joined our football ecosystem when they were just 8 years old. Today, they’ve climbed through the ranks… Vinith now plays for the BFC First Team, while Sohum continues to level up in our football academy and reserve setup.

These grassroots football success stories are the result of years of consistent effort across age groups and communities. And this was also recognised in 2022–23, when Bengaluru FC was awarded the AIFF Grassroots Award. A national award for our work towards building strong and inclusive foundations for Indian football.

But here’s the thing:

For every Sohum or Vinith, there are countless other kids who never get that chance. Not because they aren’t talented, but because the system around them doesn’t always give them the support they need. That’s where the real challenge lies.

The Big Challenges of Grassroots Football in India

There’s no denying it, we’ve come a long way. But there are still a few hurdles holding us back:

• Funding: Without steady financial support, it’s hard to run quality programs. Coaches, equipment, safe grounds, all of that need investment.
• Infrastructure: Many grassroots football academy don’t have proper fields or training gear. That makes it tough for kids to train consistently or feel motivated to show up.
• Mindset: In some communities, kids (especially girls or those from low-income families) are still discouraged from playing. That kind of thinking shuts the door before kids even get to try.

But here’s the good news: these are fixable problems if the right support steps in.

How Do We Develop Grassroots Football Across India?

If we are serious about placing football in the lives of every child in India, then each of us has our role. This is how it can happen:

Role played by Schools: By partnering with academies and incorporating football in the physical education syllabus, they can bring in football as a career option, instead of a break-time activity.

Role for NGOs & Local Organisations: NGOs can run secure, inclusive programs in underserved populations with no child left behind.

Role of Corporations & Clubs: As a group, they can invest in and scale up grassroots initiatives – grounds improvements, hiring qualified coaches, and mentorship.

Role of the Government: Schemes like Khelo India and Fit India Movement are already helping, but what’s needed now is stronger, more consistent execution… especially in rural regions where football infrastructure is still lacking.
 

What the World Can Teach Us: Grassroots Football Around the Globe

In Germany, there are connections with school teams and local clubs, so children can progress in an organic way from the playground all the way through the pros. In Brazil, it’s on every block, every shore, every backyard, so the talent is found early. In Japan, there are good teams and trainers in nearly every school, so kids can grow up through the levels.

The lesson?

The earlier and easier it is for kids to play, the better they become as athletes and as people. And India has the potential to do the same.

Why Grassroots Football Can Shape a Stronger India

India is full of young dreamers. Kids with talent, drive, and passion – just waiting for a chance.

Grassroots football gives every child a fair shot. More importantly, it’s not just about finding the next big star; it’s about making sure no child is left behind because of where they come from, what they look like, or how much their family earns. By investing early, we grow the game from the ground up, and in doing so, we build more than just players. We also build confidence, community, and equal opportunity.

Conclusion: Building the Future, From the Ground Up

The real game begins at the grassroots. Not in packed stadiums, but on school grounds and neighbourhood fields where children join a team and fall in love with football. That’s why every programme we offer is built around fairness, fun, and inclusion. And it’s this consistent effort that helped us earn the Best Grassroots Award from FSDL in 2022-2023

But the journey is far from over.

We’re committed to making sure more kids across India get a real chance to play, grow, and belong. If you have a young, enthusiastic footballer at home, let them take their first step with us by booking a free demo class at BFC Soccer Schools – and become part of a movement that’s changing the future of Indian football.