BRICS U-17 Cup will promote CSR initiatives in India: Joao Gilberto Vaz

NEW DELHI: The BRICS under-17 Football Cup will strengthen relations, promote a safe and protective environment along with corporate social responsibility (CSR), said Joao Gilberto Vaz, Project Leader and tournament organiser at an ASSOCHAM event here.

While addressing a meeting, Vaz said India has become an emerging football market with the recent creation of Indian Super League (ISL), adding it is a key player in all segments within BRICS.

He urged to use football as a tool to enhance BRICS members spiritually, socially, physically and mentally.

"It will also be able to promote a CSR initiative. BRICS U-17 Football Cup is the first football event involving BRICS nations," said Vaz.

The tournament will be played in April next year. As a lead-up to the 2017 under-17 FIFA World Cup, India will use the competition to test its infrastructure and on-field preparation.

"Each edition of BRICS U-17 Football Cup will have one of the BRICS summit hosting nation as partner to organise the tournament," said Vaz.
Vaz said the tournament would focus on personal growth and equality. It will encourage young athletes to develop and learn about the importance of BRICS, to improve their character and leadership skills as well as to promote equality and avoid discrimination and racism.

"To use football and 'soft diplomacy' as a powerful tool to bring together people from different ethnic, cultural, religious, linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds among BRICS nations," said Vaz.