Prison Football- Football Through Rehabilitation

Shelter Aashray Nepal, in coordination with the Asian Football Federation (AFC) and the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), has been running prison football-football through a rehabilitation program.

The first phase of the program was successfully conducted in Nepal's Central Prison, Bhadra Prision and Women's Cell and now the second phase program has started in Jhapa Prision.

The goal of the program, according to Khusbu Oli Chairperson of Shelter Ashraya Nepal, is to build the capacity of prisoners through football. "We're bringing the players, referees, and coaches in for an education program to help the prisoners gain confidence and prevent them from returning to their previous lives. This also benefits their mental health and helps them develop a desire to work for the greater good.”

Football training in prisons can boost the confidence and mental health of prisoners and develop a desire to work for the betterment of society," jailor Mohan Lal Paneru said.

The program aims to train 24 players, 16 referees and 16 coaches. According to Jhapa District Football President Bagirathat Ale, Munna Subba will train the football Player training, Lokraj Dungana will train for referee training, and Sachindra Dhimal will train for coach training.

From March 6, 2023, to August 30, 2023, the second phase of the program will produce 24 players, 16 referees, and 16 coaches. After completing the course, coaches will receive a D license, referees will receive a Category IV certificate, and players will receive a participation certificate.

To facilitate social rehabilitation and ease of employment, this program has given priority to the training of prisoners who will be released within a period of six months