ACKO partners with Chenniyan FC to foster a culture of sports among young girls

On the occasion of International Women's Day, ACKO announced a collaboration with long-time partner and former Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin Football Club (CFC) to provide schoolgirls with football coaching for an entire year. The company will also provide girls with free kits and equipment. Through the association, ACKO aims to facilitate the growth of their athletic abilities and encourage these girls to achieve their full potential irrespective of their background. 

Aligned with the Women's Day theme - 'Break the Bias,' the initiative aims to promote inclusivity in youth sports. This will be an ongoing collaboration between CFC and ACKO to help develop women's football in the region and provide opportunities for young girls. 

CFC and ACKO selected CSI St. Thomas Matric Hr. Sec. School, a school for girls in Chennai, as most of the students come from families that are not well-to-do and cannot afford sports training for their daughters. The girls are provided with the right equipment and brand-new sporting gear through this initiative. Fifteen of them have also been chosen for training by CFC soccer school coaches for one year, allowing them to pick up the sport and follow their passion. By encouraging girls to hone their skills, ACKO and CFC hope to increase women's participation and contribution to sports like football that men have traditionally dominated. 

ACKO Dream Truck drove to the school, bringing ACKO branded backpacks, jerseys, boots, shin guards, footballs, and sippers. After the kits were distributed, the CFC coaching staff conducted a two-hour drill with the girls. Not only this, the girls also got to speak with CFC players on a video call and hear their inspiring words encouraging them to dream big.

 Speaking about the initiative, Ashish Mishra, EVP Marketing, ACKO, said, "At ACKO, we endeavor to empower young girls by turning to sports like football. Women's representation in sports such as football remains at a disadvantage even today. With this initiative, ACKO and CFC aim to empower girls to shape their own stories. We want to motivate them to pursue their dreams and realize their ambitions as future sportswomen who will someday make the nation proud. We are thankful to our partner CFC for contributing to making this a reality."

Vita Dani, Co-owner - Chennaiyin Football Club, said, “As a club it is important to acknowledge the future. And the future is women. I want to applaud Acko and Chennaiyin FC’s youth coaches for coming together to make this happen. This will be a fantastic opportunity for these young women to empower their football dream.”