Last year, Maruva Farzeen stepped onto the Dindigul five-a-side football pitch, a lone girl wearing spikes among a crowd of boys. With impressive skill, she weaved past taller opponents, leading her team to a commendable third-place finish. Today, 15-year-old Maruva is a recognized talent in her Vyasarpadi neighborhood in Chennai and is thriving at the SDAT sports hostel in Namakkal, thanks to a full scholarship.
Maruva’s journey, from the bustling streets of North Chennai to the expansive grounds of Namakkal, perfectly illustrates the challenges faced by children from disadvantaged backgrounds. In a society where sports are often seen as a distraction or a waste of precious time, it’s incredibly difficult for them to pursue their passions.
When scouts from LatentView’s Chennai Kaalpandhu League (CKL) – a tournament for under-13 students from government schools – first noticed Maruva in 2022, her father, Ussian Farzeen, an autorickshaw driver, was initially against her involvement. However, her mother, Jasmine Farzeen, recognized a profound opportunity. Discreetly, after school, she would take Maruva to the field, savoring these rare moments of freedom and possibility. Jasmine’s intuition proved right; the football field transformed Maruva into a winner.
“Since childhood, Cristiano Ronaldo has been my biggest inspiration,” Maruva shares passionately. “I didn’t just dream of wearing a jersey; I wanted to emulate him, to help my team win. I intend to keep playing for as long as I possibly can.”
Each year, many aspiring young athletes, much like Maruva, join the CKL grassroots football initiative. They seek to break free from the demanding routines imposed by a city where concrete structures increasingly replace green spaces. CKL offers them a chance to chase their dreams.
Working alongside scouts from Chennaiyin FC, LatentView’s Skill Development Centre actively seeks out children with an inherent passion for the sport. This dedication led them to Saidapet, where they discovered M. Umar, a raw but undeniable football talent. Umar, now 14, deeply impressed his coaches with his intense dedication. His standout performances in the league earned him a six-month stint at the All India Football Federation’s Football Plus Academy in Chennai, followed by an incredible scholarship to train in Spain.
“The training at CKL was crucial in helping me compete in zonal and district tournaments, which then opened the door to Spain. While my parents are incredibly supportive, my immediate focus is on my Class X exams for now,” Umar explains. However, unlike Umar, 13-year-old A. Ishwarya, who was discovered by coaches two years ago, has her sights firmly set on a lifelong career in football.
After Ishwarya’s mother, A. Venila, a domestic helper, witnessed her daughter score an astounding ten goals during the selection matches, she realized that football could be their family’s pathway out of poverty. Sending Ishwarya to the SDAT hostel on a scholarship this year was an easy and hopeful decision. Recalling that pivotal day, Ishwarya beams, “Getting selected for the scholarship was my most thrilling moment. I’m so proud I scored ten goals in the trials!”
Pramad Jandhyala, co-founder of LatentView, emphasizes their goal of fostering a “holistic view of learning beyond the classroom,” where sport naturally emerged as a perfect fit. Given Chennai’s increasing passion for football and sport’s powerful role as a social equalizer, the CKL aims to empower government school students, enabling them to become “a part of that culture” and reach their full potential.
This year’s CKL, held in Chennai from September 8 to 13, saw nearly 500 enthusiastic students participate. From this talented pool, 20 individuals will be selected to join a rigorous two-year training program. This program, in collaboration with Chennaiyin FC, features FIFA-accredited and SDAT-certified coaches who will prepare them for crucial State- and National-level trials. Just like Maruva, Ishwarya, and Umar, these new players are now poised to take significant small steps towards achieving their biggest dreams.