Siemens Gamesa Soccer League
SGRE Impact
Siemens Gamesa Soccer League, finalist in the Beyond Sport Awards
Madrid / October 16, 2019
The Siemens Gamesa youth soccer team in India has earned a nomination in the Beyond Sport Awards, the largest inclusive sports and diversity awards. This nomination boosts the confidence of the Siemens Gamesa Soccer League and of company employees to continue the struggle until full social inclusion is achieved in this country.
The Siemens Gamesa youth soccer team in India has earned a nomination in the Beyond Sport Awards, the largest inclusive sports and diversity awards. This nomination boosts the confidence of the Siemens Gamesa Soccer League and of company employees to continue the struggle until full social inclusion is achieved in this country.
Since 2009, the Beyond Sport Awards have recognized and supported organizations that use sports as a means for change in communities around the world. With a view to fulfilling the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the Beyond Sport Foundation organizes and funds projects that use sport to achieve positive results in the most deprived communities. The aim of this foundation is to call for and create networks to educate people about the role of sport in society by promoting and championing social issues and key communities.
Over the last decade, this foundation has supported more than 300 organizations around the world. One of them is Siemens Gamesa Soccer League, which last September was shortlisted in the category of Best Corporate Campaign or Initiative in Sport for Good. "The nomination for the Beyond Sport Awards is a great motivator for children who give everything for this sport, and also for employees who put all their efforts and enthusiasm into this initiative," says Madhukumar Boppana, Senior General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Siemens Gamesa.
Over the last decade, this foundation has supported more than 300 organizations around the world. One of them is Siemens Gamesa Soccer League, which last September was shortlisted in the category of Best Corporate Campaign or Initiative in Sport for Good. "The nomination for the Beyond Sport Awards is a great motivator for children who give everything for this sport, and also for employees who put all their efforts and enthusiasm into this initiative," says Madhukumar Boppana, Senior General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Siemens Gamesa.
Murugan, one of the team members living in Thoothukudi, India
A league without barriers
We often hear the words "it's only soccer" or "playing soccer won't put food on your table", deaf to the fact that, for whatever reason, the most popular sport on the planet has been around for well over 100 years. In addition to its notoriety in the current panorama, this sport has been an escape route for many young people who dream of a better future. In the words of politician Alejandro Cercado, when there is no future for young people, all of society heads toward decline. Since the creation of the Siemens Gamesa Soccer League Initiative in 2014, the lives of 6,500 young people in India have been improved as a direct result. This action also helps entire families living in a society where resources and income are scarce and where opportunities for a better future are few and far between.
Given such need, Siemens Gamesa goes beyond sport and uses it as a means for change worldwide. The aim of this initiative is to promote social change in the most disadvantaged communities living near Siemens Gamesa wind farms throughout India. The project focuses on young people at risk of social exclusion and leverages sport as a motor for change. The Siemens Gamesa Soccer League seeks to offer these children the opportunity to explore and develop their sports skills so that the most talented can make a viable career outside of this sport. Soccer is not just a form of recreation, it is a tool for instilling team spirit, strengthening mental concentration, honing ambition, increasing self-esteem and character building.
Given such need, Siemens Gamesa goes beyond sport and uses it as a means for change worldwide. The aim of this initiative is to promote social change in the most disadvantaged communities living near Siemens Gamesa wind farms throughout India. The project focuses on young people at risk of social exclusion and leverages sport as a motor for change. The Siemens Gamesa Soccer League seeks to offer these children the opportunity to explore and develop their sports skills so that the most talented can make a viable career outside of this sport. Soccer is not just a form of recreation, it is a tool for instilling team spirit, strengthening mental concentration, honing ambition, increasing self-esteem and character building.
Through considerable effort, this initiative undertaken by Siemens Gamesa employees allows the team to use football as an educational tool for accomplishing the following UN global goals: education, empowerment and new opportunities for young people at extreme social risk. "Soccer is more than a game; it teaches lessons that players take with them off the pitch. Teamwork; discipline; perseverance; setting targets; coping with both success and failure; time management; and keeping fit are key lessons that will stay with you forever. We would like to use this platform to inspire more people to use football as a tool for changing lives," explains Boppana.
This team has taught me the importance of discipline and respect for coaches and team mates, and most important of all, for opponents as well
Beyond sport
For these young people, playing soccer has not only physical but also social benefits. The monthly tournaments they hold give them a sense of respect, as well as fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership skills. "Through the Siemens Gamesa Soccer League, I learned the rules of the game and perfected my soccer skills. This team has taught me the importance of discipline and respect for coaches and team mates, and most important of all, for opponents as well," says Murugan, one of the team members living in Thoothukudi, India.
Through the "SGRE Impact" initiative, Siemens Gamesa employees have done their bit to bring about positive change in the communities in which it operates, with projects that improve the conditions of families living in this area. It thus finances this initiative and works side by side with local partner Team Everest, which coordinates all of these sports activities, and is also responsible for the life skills program in seven regions, including Chennai.
