Breaking Barriers: Different Art Centre Debuts First All-Women Football Team for the Differently-Abled

In a powerful tribute to International Women’s Day, the Different Art Centre (DAC) has officially launched its first-ever women’s football team, marking a historic milestone for inclusive sports in Kerala.

The initiative aims to provide a platform for differently-abled women to showcase their athletic prowess and break societal stereotypes through the "beautiful game."

The training session was inaugurated at the DAC turf by S. Lalitha, a veteran footballer and recipient of the prestigious G.V. Raja Award. Beyond just a ceremonial kick-off, Lalitha spent time on the field mentoring the new recruits, personally guiding them through the fundamental drills and techniques of football.

In her keynote address during the subsequent Women’s Day celebrations, Lalitha underscored the importance of social integration:

"It is society’s collective responsibility to foster the sporting and artistic talents of differently-abled children. The Different Art Centre is leading by example, fulfilling this duty with unwavering commitment."

While the DAC has an established men’s football program—currently coached by Joel, a professional from Gibraltar—the focus has now expanded to ensure gender parity in sports. The men’s team has already achieved significant success in various competitions, and the centre intends to replicate this success with the women’s wing.

Gopinath Muthukad, Executive Director of the Different Art Centre, highlighted the vision behind the launch: "Our goal is to bring these talented young women into the mainstream. Launching this team on International Women’s Day is a symbolic and practical step toward ensuring they have the same opportunities for growth and recognition as their male counterparts."

The event was attended by several key officials, including Dr. Anil Kumar Nair (Intervention Director, DAC), Kavitha (HR Manager), Sunil Raj C.K. (Manager)

The day concluded on a high note with a vibrant cultural showcase featuring performances by the students, their parents, and the staff, proving that at DAC, the "Art" in their name covers everything from the stage to the stadium.