The Fact News Service
Chandigarh, November 20
On its mission to develop the youth of Punjab by leveraging sports and technology, the Roundglass Foundation is organizing rural Punjab’s biggest football tournament for children – Roundglass Foundation Football Cup, 2024 (RFFC).
Currently, 4,000 children are competing in U12 and U16 categories in matches being played in different locations. A total of 300 teams, including 50 girls’ teams, are participating in the tournament, which will have its final match on November 23 at the GMADA Complex, Sector 78, Mohali. The Kavita and Vinod Khanna Foundation is the sponsor of this tournament.
At a press conference organized today at the Chandigarh Press Club by Roundglass Foundation, Kavita Khanna spoke about the importance of sports like football in the physical, emotional and mental development of children. “The Kavita and Vinod Khanna Foundation is proud to partner with the Roundglass Foundation Football Cup 2024. Promoting sports among children at the grassroots level is vital for their holistic development. Early engagement in sports can foster a sense of community and inclusion, which is especially important during formative years. It also helps identify and nurture talent. Investing in grassroots sports is an investment in the wellbeing and potential of future generations.”
The RFFC is part of Roundglass Foundation’s larger mission to rekindle Punjab’s sporting culture and a reminder of the state’s towering sports legacy. In the past four years, Roundglass Foundation has set up 400 Sports Centres in more than 350 villages in Punjab, which are engaging 11,000+ children in the age group of 5 to 16 years, including girls, to learn and play team sports like football. These Sports Centres are safe spaces to nurture children’s potential for leadership, teamwork, and discipline, and enable them to make positive life choices.
Speaking at the press conference Vishal Chowla, Leader, Roundglass Foundation, underscored the importance of sports in developing the youth of Punjab. “Our 400 Sports Centres are transforming the lives of children in villages by providing them with opportunities to play and grow through sports. We believe that sports are more than just games—they are powerful tools for instilling leadership, teamwork, discipline, and resilience in young minds. The RFCC is a testament to this vision. This tournament not only gives children a platform to showcase their passion and talent but also helps them reconnect with their roots and celebrate the strength of their village communities.”
Chowla further highlighted the Foundation’s gender-inclusive approach to sports reflected in the participation of 50 girls’ teams. “Of the over 11,000 children engaged in our Sports Centres, 26% are girls. Introducing sports to girls helps them break gender stereotypes, increases their self-confidence and self-esteem, and inspires them to think big in life.”
About Roundglass Foundation
Roundglass Foundation has been working in Punjab since 2018, creating global models for social change by engaging with communities. It is committed to improving the lives of children, youth, women, and the environment by making significant social, cultural, and economic investments in three thematic areas – environment and sustainability, youth development, and women empowerment. Working in close collaboration with rural communities and administration, Roundglass Foundation has impacted the lives of 2.3 million people in more than 2,300 villages in Punjab through its various on-the-ground programmes such as The Billion Tree Project, Learn Labs and Waste Management.
