GET KIDS TO PLAY - powered by SportzVillage
In an era where screens dominate and children’s outdoor adventures are dwindling, “Get Kids to Play” seeks to reignite the joy of unstructured play that once defined childhood. Reflecting on a time when scraped knees and muddy clothes were badges of honor, hosts Vijay and Saumil delve into the pressing challenges modern parents face in balancing academics, technology, and free play. Building upon their acclaimed book, “Get Kids to Play!”, this podcast offers insightful discussions, expert interviews, and practical solutions to help families rediscover the magic of outdoor play. Join us each week as we champion a movement to reconnect children with sport, foster creativity and play, and promote holistic development for a brighter, healthier future.
GET KIDS TO PLAY - powered by SportzVillage
No School, No Football
What if football could break the cycle of poverty?
Join Vijay and Parminder on the Get Kids to Play podcast as they sit down with Ashok Rathod, founder of Oscar Foundation and CNN IBN Real Hero Award recipient. From starting with just 18 children in Mumbai's low-income communities to impacting 17,000 kids across five states, Ashok shares how his "No School, No Football" campaign transformed lives through the power of sport.
0:00 - Introduction
1:18 - Oscar Foundation's 15-year journey
2:13 - Growing up in Mumbai: What sparked the mission
5:46 - From 18 kids to 600 overnight
8:08 - Why "Oscar"? The story behind the name
10:16 - Why football became the tool for change
12:52 - The challenge: Convincing people sports can educate
15:07 - Impact: From 55% dropouts to 91% pass rates
17:08 - Sustainability through young community leaders
21:31 - Why play isn't happening in schools
24:02 - Partnerships for employability skills
25:17 - Measuring impact: Proving sport works
28:46 - Closing: Be a friend to children, not just a parent
About Ashok Rathod
https://www.oscar-foundation.org/
About Get-Kids-To-Play
https://sportzvillage.com/get-kids-to-play/