A high dropout rate among India's elite adolescent athletes can have a devastating impact on the country's talent pool, hindering the prospects for qualifying and participating in prestigious international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup

The I'M HERE Initiative: Empowering Adolescent Athletes to Shape the Future of Football in India

1. Introduction: The I'M HERE Initiative, aligned with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the AIFF Strategic Vision 2047, is a transformative sports non-profit focused on addressing the economic and social challenges that lead to dropouts among elite adolescent athletes. By providing these athletes with the necessary resources, support, and guidance, through the residential scholarship program Elite Athlete Pathway the initiative helps them excel in football and reach their full potential. The Initiative is committed to promoting the growth and success of young athletes and building a sustainable future for all.


2. Impactful Progress: The initiative has made a significant impact on 43 athletes from 11 states and has set a goal to enhance this impact by providing support to 200 players in the upcoming season. The Elite Athlete Pathway residential scholarship program, which is based in Bangalore, provides young football players with a comprehensive approach to player development, including board and lodge, holistic nutrition, elite training, competitive exposure, and mentorship. The program helps improve the players' physical and technical abilities, as well as develop their character, winning mentality, and tactical awareness, creating smart and intelligent players capable of elevating their match-related performance.


3. Alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: The Initiative is aligned with multiple SDGs, including:
   1. SDG 8: The Initiative's goal of elevating the elite talent pool in India and striving for competitiveness on the global stage aligns with SDG 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
   2. SDG 4: By providing young football players with a pathway to progress from amateur to professional level, the Initiative supports SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
   3. SDG 3: The residential scholarship program aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
   4. SDG 10: The Initiative supports SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries by providing young athletes with opportunities to improve their employability and livelihood opportunities and assisting them in reaching their full potential and achieving success in the sport they are passionate about.
4. Conclusion: The I'M HERE Initiative is dedicated to empowering young athletes to reach their full potential in football and overcome economic and social challenges. By providing resources, support, and guidance, the Initiative contributes to building a sustainable future for all. Join the Initiative in supporting the next generation of football players in India.

Social impact investors hold the power to drive positive change in the sports non-profit realm. Impact investing is a significant opportunity to support transformative initiatives aligned with social values and priorities. The I'M HERE Initiative's Elite Athlete Pathway is one such program dedicated to creating positive social change and impact, in alignment with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the AIFF Strategic Vision 2047. Investing in such programs enables social impact investors to make a meaningful contribution towards a more equitable future.

If you're passionate about using sports as a means for positive social impact and are looking to make a meaningful contribution to society, discover how The I'M HERE Initiative's 'Elite Athlete Pathway' can help you achieve both goals.

Addressing India's High Dropout Rate Among Elite Adolescent Athletes

India is home to a vast pool of talented young athletes who have the potential to make a mark on the world stage. However, a high dropout rate among India's elite adolescent athletes can have a devastating impact on the country's talent pool, hindering their prospects of qualifying and participating in prestigious international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the reasons behind the high dropout rate and take measures to address them. By doing so, we can ensure that India's talented athletes have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and bring glory to the nation on the world stage.

Building a More Equitable Future

The I'M HERE Initiative is a transformative sports non-profit organization aligned with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and AIFF Strategic Vision 2047. It is dedicated to providing resources, support, and guidance to elite adolescent athletes who face economic and social challenges that may lead to dropouts. Through our full immersion, residential, and full scholarship program, the Elite Athlete Pathway, we aim to create a long-term career development pathway for athletes with a positive social impact, thereby improving the lives of athletes and their families.

Compelling Investment Opportunity

1. Positive social impact: By investing in the program, impact investors can make a tangible difference in the lives of young athletes who are facing economic and social challenges. This investment can have a ripple effect on the community, as these athletes go on to become role models and leaders in their respective fields.
2. Long-term career development: Our program provides a pathway for athletes to succeed in their sports career while also preparing them for life after sports. We offer resources and support for education, career planning, and personal development, ensuring that our athletes are equipped to succeed in any field they choose.
3. Brand exposure and awareness: The Elite Athlete Pathway provides social impact investors with brand exposure and awareness. We offer opportunities for investor logos on team kits, advertising in event programs, and mentions in social media posts, thereby increasing brand visibility and engagement.

By investing in The I'M HERE Initiative's Elite Athlete Pathway for the long-term, investors can play an integral role in nurturing the development of young talent, fostering positive community impact, and enhancing their brand's exposure by aligning with a purposeful social initiative.

• Full-immersion, full scholarship includes board and lodge, holistic nutrition, elite training, competitive exposure, and mentorship.
• Air travel to Bangalore at the commencement and conclusion of the football season.
• Smooth transition into the program, including AIFF registration and transfer, airport pickup, and a welcome package with accommodation in a residential setup located near the training facility.
• Access to Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence, a world-class facility, and a gym equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by trained professionals.
• Well-balanced diet with three eggs daily and post-training snacks of fresh fruits.
• Group health insurance policy covers all Athletes admitted to the program, with coverage for hospital expenses up to Rupees Two Lakhs.
• Access to a renowned medical centre for physiotherapy care and immediate medical care, including general physicians and pharmacies.
• Local transportation services are provided for matches and other local movements.
• Educational pathway offered, starting with enrolment in the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) for 10th and 12th-grade education, followed by undergraduate studies at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)