British High Commission celebrates Day of the Girl Child with football
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-09)

UK efforts to increase access to sport for young girls in India has now supported over 164,000 children from marginalised communities.

To celebrate this achievement and to mark the International Day of the Girl Child [11 October], the British High Commission organised a special game of football with young girls in New Delhi. The girls, coached by athlete and educator Anne Aiza Khan, participated in a friendly football match followed by an interactive session.

British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron and the British Council’s Country Director Alison Barrett joined the session to see first-hand how the UK is sharing expertise in grassroots football to generate opportunity and transform lives.

Sport can be a powerful tool to enhance education outcomes and life skills, especially for young girls. It builds confidence, connections, and leadership skills that go far beyond the playing field. Since 2007, the Premier League and British Council have worked together globally to develop the skills of more than 40,000 football coaches, referees, and educators in 29 countries.

Anne, who was herself mentored through this partnership, works to empower children, especially girls, from less privileged backgrounds through football, education, and life skills. In India, the British Council and Premier League have supported more than 7,500 educators and coaches across 18 states in India. These coaches have gone on to support more than 164,000 children and young people in marginalised communities.

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India said:

Sport can help transform lives and inspire change, both on and off the field. It teaches resilience and confidence, encouraging young women and girls to break barriers, challenge stereotypes and build leadership skills.

The UK government is working with our world-renowned sporting industry partners to create positive change in schools and communities globally, including in India. It was inspiring to spend the day with these amazing young girls in Delhi to see first-hand the transformative outcomes we can achieve through sport.

Alison Barrett, Country Director – India, British Council, said:

Sport is a powerful catalyst for social change. The UK is proud to help create safe, inclusive spaces for girls to learn, play, and lead. For 18 years, our partnership with the Premier League has championed inclusion, education and opportunity for all.

Gender is a cross-cutting priority for the British Council around the world, ensuring women and girls can access opportunities in education, skills, and culture. Empowered girls uplift entire communities, contributing to economic growth and social progress.

Further information
- see free-to-use pictures of the match on Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ukinindia/albums/72177720329276157/)
- the UK and India are learning from each other and sharing expertise to ensure women and girls can reach their full potential around the world. The landmark UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed this year includes a standalone chapter on gender, a first for any FTA that India has signed
- the International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their rights
- Anne Aiza Khan was mentored through the British Council and Premier League partnership. She founded Fairy Fari Foundation to empower children, especially girls, from less privileged backgrounds through football, education, and life skills
Media

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