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A Thought Leader - Football is Life

Leadership Programme

About the Programme - Sports Grassroots Leadership Programme

The Sports Grassroots Leadership Programme is a first‑of‑its‑kind capacity‑building initiative designed and personally delivered by Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, one of India’s most respected sports management professionals. With over three decades of experience across grassroots development, governance, professional sport, and global engagement, Dr. Prabhakaran has created this programme to empower young professionals who aspire to transform Indian sport from the ground up.

 

This initiative is completely philanthropic, offered free of cost to selected candidates who demonstrate passion, commitment, and leadership potential.

Programme Objectives

  • Equip emerging leaders with a deep understanding of grassroots sports development.

  • Build capacity in governance, planning, operations, and community engagement.

  • Develop leaders who can design sustainable grassroots structures and long-term pathways.

  • To foster inclusiveness, diversity, and gender equality in sports participation.

  • Foster a network of young professionals committed to nation-building through sport.

  • To nurture ethical, visionary leaders committed to professional excellence.

  • Provide mentorship and guidance to help participants accelerate their careers and impact.

Programme Structure

  • Total Duration: 50 hours

  • Format: Hybrid (Online + In-Person)

  • Online Sessions: 25 hours

  • In-Person Session: 5 hours

  • Project Work: 20 hours

  • Monthly Engagement: 6 hours

  • Start Date: 1 August 2026

  • Batch Size: Maximum 4 participants

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Age: Below 30 years as of 1 August 2026

  • Education: Minimum graduate

  • Experience:

    • Minimum 4 years of work experience in sports, OR

    • Minimum 3 years for former sportspersons

  • Current Role: Actively working in the sports development sector

  • Gender Inclusion: Minimum 50% seats reserved for women

  • Statement of Purpose:

    • Why you deserve to be selected

    • Your vision for sports development in India

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview before final selection.

Why This Programme Matters

The future of Indian sport depends on strong, ethical, and visionary leadership at the grassroots level. India needs professionals who understand the ecosystem deeply, can design sustainable structures, and are committed to long‑term development.

This programme is not just a course, it is an investment in the next generation of sports leaders. Participants will gain knowledge, mentorship, and a lifelong network that will accelerate their impact on the sporting landscape.

Curriculum Overview

Learning Journey

Participants will undergo a holistic and immersive programme designed to build leadership capacity in grassroots sports development. The curriculum covers:

  • Foundations of Grassroots Sports Development
    Understanding the principles, history, and importance of grassroots initiatives in shaping national and global sporting culture.

  • Designing Sustainable Grassroots Structures
    Building models that are adaptable across rural, tribal, urban, and metropolitan contexts, ensuring inclusiveness and accessibility.

  • Governance and Policy Frameworks
    Exploring the role of policy makers, government responsibility, and regulatory structures in enabling grassroots sports growth.

  • Community Engagement and Stakeholder Management
    Strategies for collaboration with schools, local clubs, NGOs, corporates (CSR initiatives), and government agencies to create a multifaceted approach.

  • Inclusiveness, Diversity, and Gender Equality
    Promoting equal opportunities for all, with emphasis on women, differently-abled athletes, and underrepresented communities.

  • Talent Pathways & Long-Term Athlete Development

  • Creating structured pathways for athletes from grassroots to elite levels, with sensitivity to diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

  • Financial Planning and Resource Mobilisation
    Leveraging sponsorships, CSR, government grants, and innovative funding models to sustain grassroots programmes.

  • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Measurement
    Tools and methodologies to assess programme effectiveness, community impact, and long-term sustainability.

  • Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Excellence
    Developing ethical, visionary leaders who can inspire change and uphold integrity in sports governance.

  • Sustainability and Collaboration
    Embedding environmental responsibility, sustainable practices, and collaborative partnerships into grassroots initiatives.

Experiential Learning

  • Field Experience & Live Projects
    Hands-on exposure through community-based projects, rural and urban engagement, and collaboration with local sports organisations.

  • Project Work
    Participants will design and implement a grassroots sports initiative, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

  • Guest Sessions
    Surprise interactions with prominent leaders from Indian and global sport, offering insights into leadership and innovation.

Certification & Mentorship

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive:

  • Certificate of Completion

  • Letter of Appreciation from Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran

  • One-year mentorship under Dr. Prabhakaran to support their professional journey

Application Timeline

  • Applications Open: 31 March 2026

  • Applications Close: 30 April 2026

  • Interviews: Post Mid-May 2026

  • Final Selection: Mid-June 2026

  • Programme Start: 1 August 2026

This Programme is Completely Free for the Selected Candidates

Programme end date: 20 December 2026

Application Form

Please fill the application form by clicking the below link. 

Note: Please check the eligibility conditions before applying. 

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