Since its inauguration, the programme reached 18 schools across Sarlahi, Saptari, Parsa, Rautahat, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Siraha, Bara, Surkhet, Humla, Jumla, Dolpa, Mugu, and Kalikot districts, benefitting more than 1,400 children through a development approach that combined football training with essential life-skills education, promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and integrity.

With gender equality being one of the key themes of the project, the initiative recorded a remarkable 50% participation rate among young girls – a milestone that created a ripple effect within the community and led to a positive shift in attitudes among stakeholders on girls’ participation in sports.

Moreover, the girls attended daily educational sessions covering topics such as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), health and hygiene, communication, leadership, self-confidence, and other essential life skills aimed at enhancing both hygiene awareness and social development.

To ensure the programme’s long-term impact, 34 ANFA-licensed coaches, 20 volunteer coaches, and 18 school teachers were mobilised and trained to foster an environment that encourages sustained growth and transformation.

At the same time, teachers from the participating schools received basic football coaching skills through practical training with ANFA coaches, equipping them to support children's development beyond the classroom, which was widely appreciated by the local government bodies, who expressed strong interest in sustaining similar programmes in the future.

Moreover, alongside grassroots engagement, the programme also played a pivotal role in raising awareness among parents and school teachers on the positive impact that sports can have on a child’s life, which further underlined the AFC Dream Asia Foundation’s resolve to harness the power of football to drive social change.