The Just For Kicks (JFK) Chennai league was inaugurated on Sunday by two of Chennaiyin FC’s players Thoi Singh and Francisco Fernandes. The league is an initiative by the JFK programme to enable children from low-income and under resourced schools to participate in a national football tournament. In the Chennai leg, 360 boys and girls from 11 schools around the city will participate in a six-week league, with the winners qualifying for the national championship in February 2019.

The JFK league will provide a platform for youngsters to showcase their skills and the opportunity for coaches to develop their technical acumen. Chennaiyin FC have worked closely with the global for-purpose organization Enabling Leadership imparting their technical knowledge to improve the overall quality of the JFK program.

Thoi and Fernandes, who have been regular starters for the defending champions in the 2018-19 season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), were present at the venue to spend time with the budding youngsters. The players took the opportunity to share valuable advice with the children on the importance of participation in sports while focussing on education.

Fernandes addressed the children at the venue, speaking about the importance of starting out young and maintaining peak fitness. “Even I started playing football at an early age just like you kids. Listening to my coaches' advice and instructions and looking after my fitness is what helped me grow as a footballer and a person. I urge you all to do the same, it is a fantastic initiative you are all part of.”

The two stars then entertained their spectators with a few passing drills and some neat tricks and skills. The day ended with the children making full use of the opportunity to catch photos with their heroes from Chennaiyin FC.