Fasloon is an English teacher from Kalmunai, in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka. His hometown was heavily affected by the 30-year civil war and the devastating Tsunami in 2004. Yet, this has not deterred Fasloon from being a positive role model to disadvantaged children, both on and off the pitch.

QUICK FACTS

Fasloon was nominated to join the Young Coach Education Programme by the Ampara District Football Association. Since completing the education, Fasloon now coaches his own group of children, and has organised several football festivals for children in his community. To-date, his activities have benefited over 500 children. It is clear to see that the programme has had a profound impact on his life, and ultimately the many disadvantaged children that benefit from his knowledge and enthusiasm.

FASLOON

Project: Sri Lanka, January 2013 – October 2013

Parent Organisation: Ampara District Football Association

Born: 1986

Nationality: Sri Lanka

Project Sri Lanka | Facts
5
Peer Young Coaches
25
Benefiting Children

MY STORY

“I am one of five children. The area where I come from was highly affected by the 30-year civil war and the Tsunami in 2004. We lost our properties, friends and family because of the Tsunami. During this period, I heard many new words for the first time in my life, such as Tsunami, relief, NGO, disaster, etc. It was also the first time that I slept rough on the street. It took several years to return to our usual life and rebuild our homes.

In 2013, I was invited to join the Young Coach Education Programme by the Ampara District Football Association. I grew up playing football in school, and it has always been a key part of my life. The education was remarkable for me. It was different to other development or livelihood programmes that had been offered following the Tsunami.

I had just been a player before, but now I coach, and train children from my school. I train 10-12 year old boys and girls, once a week. I have also started to incorporate the ball and other physical activities into my classes, using games like catch and pass to build vocabulary.

The area that I work remains heavily affected by the civil war. This is the first generation to be educated following the war. Students and parents are not aware of the importance of education. That is why I use football to teach the children, and encourage them to attend school. The kids that previously didn’t attend school, joined my activities, and now go to school on a regular basis.

The education inspired me – it gave me the confidence – to get involved in sports as a social worker. People look at me and believe that Fasloon has the capacity to make things happen. Through your programme, I received the opportunity to visit Korea, to take part in the UNOSDP Young Leaders programme. This was a good experience that taught how the sports network can incorporate social elements into our activities.

Now I am in the process of forming a sport for development NGO called ‘Green Max Sport Club’. Once setup, we plan to hold a leadership programme for youth in Sri Lanka, to train more coaches, just like Scort did.”

GALLERY FASLOON

Young Coaches

Our Young Coaches are community leaders and role models in less privileged societies. They commit themselves to support the children of their communities by conveying important social topics (conflict resolution, inclusion, HIV prevention, etc.) through football. Each of the Young Coaches represents a unique personal story.