Chasing football dreams from Chow Kit to Mexico

 Youths from Yayasan Chow Kit make history as Malaysia’s first team at the Street Child World Cup.

Many of the youths from Yayasan Chow Kit have never even dreamed of going to another country – and now some of them will be playing football in Mexico. (Yayasan Chow Kit pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

 Football boots scrape against the turf as nine boys sprint across a field, shouting for passes and diving for saves under the hot sun.

For these teenagers from Yayasan Chow Kit, this is more than just another training session. Every tackle and goal has been leading up to one life-changing moment.

This month, the boys flew to Mexico City to represent Malaysia at the Street Child World Cup, marking the first time street-connected youths from Malaysia have competed on the international pitch.

Organised by the global movement Street Child United, the tournament – which runs until May 15 – gathers 30 teams of children with lived experience on the streets from around the world.

“Our boys were really excited when they found out they’re going to Mexico and representing Malaysia,” Yayasan Chow Kit CEO Ananthi Rajasingham told FMT Lifestyle.

Ananthi, who has worked with the NGO for nearly 17 years, said many children growing up in poverty rarely get opportunities beyond their own communities.

“I don’t think they have ever dreamed in their entire life to even go to a neighbouring country. This is a great deal.”

The nine players from Yayasan Chow Kit representing Malaysia in the Street Child World Cup. (Yayasan Chow Kit pic)

For these nine boys, the Mexico trip is about far more than football – it is a chance to see a different world.

“By giving them this opportunity and having faith and trust in them … I believe they really can go far,” she said.

“Our boys have been very committed. Even though some got injured, they still showed up for training.”

The road to Mexico began nearly two years ago after Yayasan Chow Kit was encouraged to apply for the Street Child World Cup, which, like the regular World Cup, happens every four years.

After being selected in September 2024, the team went through months of online briefings, advocacy workshops and football training.

But the tournament, Ananthi stressed, has never been simply about chasing trophies. “It’s about giving children dignity and putting the limelight on them.”

Indeed, many of the boys grew up feeling unseen in low-income communities. The tournament, Ananthi said, finally gives them a chance to step into the spotlight.

Ananthi Rajasingham (squatting) says the world cup gives street-connected youths a chance to feel seen. (Yayasan Chow Kit pic)

She recalled watching videos of the team arriving in Mexico to cheers from other participants. “Everyone was cheering for Team Malaysia. Watching them, even though I’m not there physically, I can feel that energy!”

Getting the boys match-fit for the tournament was no easy feat. Around 20 teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16 initially joined the training sessions.

Many had raw talent but lacked proper coaching, equipment and opportunities. “Most of the time they just played on the streets and called it football,” Ananthi explained. “They had the skill – and untapped potential.”

Training sessions were mostly held on weekends, though as kickoff drew closer, practices intensified. Injuries forced the team to reshuffle its lineup several times before the final nine secured their place in February.

Despite the setbacks, the boys kept showing up. One teenager in particular stood out: after enduring abuse at home and later witnessing another traumatic incident involving a family member, he still never missed training.

“We were very impressed by how committed he was,” Ananthi said. “And regardless of how far away they live, they would still show up for training every weekend.”

Besides the tournament, the boys will be participating in advocacy talks and cultural performances in Mexico City. (Yayasan Chow Kit pic)

Off the field, the boys are taking part in advocacy sessions and cultural performances in Mexico City. Malaysia’s team is advocating for equal access to education, and will also perform dikir barat.

All this said, perhaps the tournament’s biggest win has already happened. Ananthi shared how the nine boys from different ethnic backgrounds sang Tamil songs together in their dormitory after arriving in Mexico.

“When you put children together for a common objective, things like race simply do not exist,” she said proudly.

Just before leaving Malaysia, the team lost a friendly match against another school side. Some of the boys were disappointed, but Ananthi reminded them that this journey isn’t about the scoreboard.

“Showing up was the most important part of this process,” she told them. “Now just go and have fun.” - FMT

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