WWE's John Layfield and Slum Soccer launch Project EDU-KICK in the slums of Mumbai
Smackdown Live announcer and retired WWE Grand Slam champion John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield and Slum Soccer kicked off Project Edu-Kick at the Trombay Public High School, Cheeta Camp, in the slums of Mankhurd last week.
Conceptualised to address the 4th Sustainable Development Goal (Quality Education), Project EDU-KICK is an initiative by Slum Soccer which focuses on the promotion of primary education for children from the underprivileged section of society, who have limited opportunities to attend school.
Beyond Sport Global Ambassador, John Layfield, recently stepped down from his post as a weekly announcer on WWE SmackDown to dedicate more continuous time on the work he has done since 2010 with at-risk kids and communities.
“At 50 years old I aim to spend my time left making a difference,” said Layfield. “My new schedule will allow me to continue to be a part of the WWE family and also continue my work that I feel is the most important thing in my life.”
With the help of Beyond Sport, Layfield founded Beyond Rugby Bermuda in 2010 – which has been recognized as one of the best global projects for work with at-risk, gang focused, youth intervention.
Project EDU-KICK is extremely innovative in the way it uses technology. Slum Soccer is using a sporting corriculum to change lives by implementing football to accompany mathematics and financial literacy.
“It was an awesome experience at the Trombay Public High School. I’m not special, these teachers are. They are the real heroes. Education is the key, education is life. It builds everything that’s positive. The future lies here,” emphasised Layfield.
Said Dr. Abhijeet Barse, CEO, Slum Soccer: “Slum Soccer aims to change life in the slums, where the game of football is used as a means to connect individuals, teaching life skills and working towards improving overall quality of life for underprivileged youth. The Slum Soccer team aims to expand and provide better training facilities to the youth.”