A goal, in more ways than one

Slum life in India has more often been portrayed as a miserable existence. However, apart from the obviously underprivileged lifestyle, there is also a prevalent rich culture, with sports being a major unifying factor for the kids there. In order to promote football in these regions, and to educate the world about Indian football, former    Arsenal Academy coach and now the managing director of National Children’s Football Alliance, Ernie Brennan, is in the city to film a documentary about slum football!

Under an initiative called ‘The Peace Field Project’,  the organisation not only provides a platform for underprivileged children, but also commemorates millions of people who lost their lives in the First World War. Brennen talks to DC about how the initiative would help to popularise the sport in the country, and also about his life as a coach during his Arsenal days. “Slum areas have always been documented in a grim way, but I find their lifestyle intriguing. That’s why I am there with this initiative to provide education, play and fun,” starts Brennan. The Leicester-based visionary  says, “Last year, when I filmed a documentary about football in Nagpur, it was very well received. I’ll be here for a month and you can expect a similar montage from Chennai too.”

He has an instinct that this is the right time to promote football — “The fact that the Chennai Super Kings are banned for two years means it is time to capitalise, and create a solid base for football.” Speaking about the Indian coaches, he says, “The organisation Slum Soccer, with whom we have associated, has some special coaches. They get no thanks, and that needs to change.” The best part about the project is that it doesn’t end with a few camps and documentaries. Top talents have a chance to exhibit their skills at the ‘Peace Field Pitches’ in Europe — “Last year, some kids from Nagpur were taken to Europe. If all goes well, it can well be the case with the Chennai kids this year. It will help them build leadership skills and confidence.”

We couldn’t help but ask him about the stars he coached during his association with the Arsenal academy. “You know how big the club is. If you want to know who the biggest player I coached was; then I would say Thierry Henry! I knew that there was something special about this guy right from the time he came in. The fact that he used to take a bus to training, instead of fancy cars, says a lot about his character.” He concludes on a lighter note, laughing as he says, “See, I’m not only in the city to promote the football in the city, but also to spread awareness about our Leicester City Club which is at the top of the Premier League Table!”