Bengaluru · Jayamahal · Est. 2026
On a sandy ground in the heart of Bengaluru, we train children to play football — and teach them to believe in themselves. Because every child who learns to get back up after a fall is already winning.
Jayamahal Football Foundation is a youth-driven non-profit organization started in the year 2026, committed to empowering underprivileged children and young athletes through the transformative power of sports. Founded with the belief that talent should never be limited by financial circumstances, the foundation works to create opportunities for young people to pursue their sporting dreams while building a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Our mission is to promote a strong sporting culture among youth by providing access to football training, mentorship, development programs, and life skills education. We strive to identify and nurture talent, encourage discipline and teamwork, and support young athletes in establishing meaningful careers through sports.
Beyond the football field, we focus on character development, leadership, education, and social inclusion, helping young individuals gain confidence, resilience, and purpose. Through community engagement, partnerships, and grassroots initiatives, we aim to create an environment where every child has the opportunity to grow, compete, and succeed.
At Jayamahal Football Foundation, we believe that football is more than a game — it is a platform to inspire change, transform lives, and build a stronger future for generations to come.
Behind the golden-lettered arch of the Jayamahal Ladies Club — est. 1953 — lies a sandy pitch that has seen generations of Bengaluru's children play, fall, get up, and dream. It is not a manicured stadium. It is dust, sweat, and possibility.
This is where Jayamahal Football Foundation trains. We chose this ground deliberately — not in spite of its imperfection, but because of it. Our children do not need perfect grass to learn resilience. They need coaches who believe in them, a ball that doesn't go flat, and a community that shows up.
The same children who come here in torn shoes on Monday morning are representing their schools in tournaments by Friday afternoon. That transformation happens here, on this sand, every single day.
Two beliefs guide everything we do at Jayamahal Football Foundation — a vision of what's possible, and a mission for how we get there.
Together with our club and supporting partners, we’re building a stronger future for grassroots football in Bengaluru.
Six programs using football to develop players, build leaders and create futures.
Structured, progressive football training focused on technical skills, tactical awareness, physical conditioning, and mental resilience. Every player receives individual attention to maximise their potential on the pitch.
Get Involved →Football is the classroom. We use sport to instil discipline, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional intelligence — qualities that prepare our players for every challenge life presents beyond the ground.
Get Involved →We identify emerging leaders within our program and invest in them through mentorship, responsibility, and real decision-making opportunities — developing the captains, coaches, and community role models of tomorrow.
Get Involved →Through our partnership with FC Real Bengaluru and our network of AIFF and UEFA-licensed coaches, we actively create pathways for talented players to be identified, trialled, and signed by professional and semi-professional clubs.
Our Club Partner →We link football participation directly to school attendance and academic progress. Players who stay in school get more game time — a simple but powerful incentive. We also connect families with scholarship and school-fee support resources.
Get Involved →No child should be denied football because they lack boots, a kit, or access to a safe playing surface. We provide essential equipment, maintain our training ground, and work to ensure every player has what they need to train with dignity.
Support This →Real children, real transformation — lives changed through football on the Jayamahal ground.
"Before I came here, I had given up on school. Coach told me: miss a training, miss a match. So I stopped missing school. Three years later, I passed my 10th boards."— Imran A., Age 16 · Joined JFF at age 13
Imran grew up three streets from this pitch. He never thought the ground was for him — football felt like something for kids with proper shoes and spare time. He had neither. His family needed him to help at the shop after school.
When JFF coaches started visiting the neighborhood, inviting children to train for free, his mother gave him one hour. That one hour became every evening. The discipline he found on the pitch followed him into the classroom. Today Imran coaches our under-12 boys on Saturday mornings.
Read his full story →
Two years ago, Priya's parents said girls don't play football. Now they travel to every match and cheer the loudest. Her team won the U-14 District Championship last November.
Raju was dropping out once a week. When we linked his training schedule to his attendance record, everything changed. Football gave him a reason to show up — for everything.
Suresh joined JFF at 11. At 21, with JFF support, he completed his AFC C-License. He now earns a salary coaching the children who walk the same streets he grew up on.
Every rupee directly funds equipment, coaching, school support and daily operations.
Every rupee you give directly funds equipment, coaching, school scholarships, and the daily operations that keep this pitch open for every child who needs it.
To donate, please call us or drop an email — our team will personally guide you through the process.
Every photograph from the Jayamahal ground is a story of resilience, joy and belonging.
10 photographs from the Jayamahal ground. Every frame a story of resilience, joy, and belonging.
Every one of these kids chose to show up.
Barefoot on the sand.
50+ players, one pitch.
The next generation of Bengaluru football.
The ball doesn’t care what you’re wearing.
Every session starts with listening.
“Listen carefully — this is how you change your life.”
After dark, the ground belongs to them.
The day they received their kits, nothing was the same again.
“Impacting Lives Through Football.”
Photography · Ramu Ronaldo ⚽ Jayamahal Ground, Bengaluru · 2026
World-class coaching credentials brought to Jayamahal so every child gets elite-level mentorship.
World-class coaching credentials brought to the lanes of Jayamahal — so every child gets the same quality of mentorship as an elite academy player.
Technical Director
Technical Director · Real Bengaluru FC & Jayamahal Football Foundation
Nitesh Sharma is a UEFA A Licence candidate and football professional currently serving as Technical Director at Real Bengaluru. With experience as a Head Coach and youth development leader, he has worked across academy and senior football environments — focusing on player development, performance planning, and implementing a clear football philosophy.
His experience includes working with the FC Barcelona Academy and within the Spanish fifth-division football system, providing exposure to elite development methodologies and European football environments. Passionate about creating structured pathways for player growth, Nitesh is committed to developing intelligent, adaptable footballers through high-performance standards and continuous learning.
"Our goal is to develop intelligent, adaptable footballers — players who understand the game, embrace continuous learning, and carry those qualities off the pitch as well."— Nitesh Sharma, Technical Director · Jayamahal Football Foundation
Our Approach
At Jayamahal Football Foundation, our coaching methodology is built on the principles of modern football — technical excellence, tactical intelligence, and human development. Every session on the Jayamahal ground is designed with purpose.
Through Nitesh's experience at FC Barcelona and in the Spanish football system, we bring elite-level development thinking to grassroots football in Bengaluru. Our players are trained to think, not just to run.
See Our Programs →Ball mastery, first touch, passing, and positional sense — drilled from the ground up using structured, progressive sessions.
We train players to read the game, make decisions under pressure, and understand football as a collective system.
Punctuality, respect, resilience, and teamwork are non-negotiable. The values of sport carry directly into life.
Talented players are identified and channelled toward elite youth teams, state leagues, and professional academies through our FC Real Bengaluru partnership.
The people behind Jayamahal Football Foundation — leading with passion, experience, and a shared belief in grassroots football.
MBA · Project Management · 9+ Years in Sales & Operations
Syed Sha Bakir Irfan is an MBA graduate in Project Management with over 9 years of experience in Sales and Operations, specialising in process stabilisation, business growth, and operational excellence. Alongside his professional career, football has been a lifelong passion — having represented teams in several competitive football leagues across Bengaluru, he understands the transformative power of sport in shaping character, discipline, and opportunity.
Driven by a desire to give back to the football community, he founded Jayamahal Football Foundation with a vision to create opportunities for aspiring players, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. Through the foundation, he aims to empower youth, build strong communities, and impact lives through football, mentorship, and personal development.
"Impacting Lives Through Football." ⚽— Syed Sha Bakir Irfan, Founder · Jayamahal Football Foundation
B.Com Graduate · Lifelong Football Player · Grassroots Advocate
Ramu N is the President at the Jayamahal Football Foundation and a B.Com graduate with a lifelong passion for football. Having grown up playing the sport, he understands the importance of support and opportunities for underprivileged children.
He is committed to promoting grassroots football and helping young players gain access to training and development pathways — ensuring every child on the Jayamahal ground has the same opportunities he once sought himself.
“Every child who grows up playing on this ground deserves the same access and opportunity I once searched for.” ⚽— Ramu N, President · Jayamahal Football Foundation
B.Com Graduate · Assistant Venue Manager, Ebek · Professional & Local League Footballer
Andre Jeremiah is a B.Com graduate with 4 years of experience as an Assistant Venue Manager with Ebek, an OET test delivery partner in India. Managing high-stakes test environments taught him precision, teamwork, and accountability — qualities he now brings to building the foundation.
Off the clock, football has always been home — a passion for as long as he can remember. Having played in professional and local leagues across Bangalore, he learned that the right coach at the right time can change a kid’s path. He joined this foundation to ensure local kids get structured coaching and real opportunities, helping build a space where the next generation can train, grow, and be seen.
“This is my way of giving back to the community where my football journey began.” ⚽— Andre Jeremiah, Vice President & Treasurer · Jayamahal Football Foundation
Football Enthusiast · Strategic Leader · Director, DNA Networks
Rohahn Vardhan is a football enthusiast, strategic leader, and Consultant for Growth and Strategy at the Jayamahal Football Foundation. He is also a Director at DNA Networks.
Having begun his football journey at the Jayamahal Ladies Club, Rohahn remains deeply connected to the community that first nurtured his passion for the game.
Committed to giving back to football, he focuses on strengthening grassroots development for underprivileged children. Through strategic leadership, he works to build a more sustainable football ecosystem that supports young athletes both on and off the field.
“A sustainable football ecosystem supports young athletes both on and off the field.” ⚽— Rohahn Vardhan, Consultant for Growth & Strategy · Jayamahal Football Foundation
Together with FC Real Bengaluru and DNA Networks, we create pathways for talented players and build a more sustainable football ecosystem.
Our mission and our commitment to full transparency.
Two beliefs guide everything we do at Jayamahal Football Foundation — a vision of what's possible, and a mission for how we get there.
Every rupee donated to JFF is accounted for. We believe radical transparency is the foundation of trust — and trust is the only currency that matters in this work.
Full year impact, financials, and stories
NGO registration under Karnataka Societies Act
Tax deductible donations under Section 80G
Independently audited accounts, FY 2025–26
Registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act. Compliant with all statutory requirements.
All donations are eligible for income tax deduction under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
We have a robust Child Protection Policy. All volunteers and coaches are background-verified.
We commit to ensuring over 85% of all donations reach programs directly, not administrative overhead.
The remaining 15% covers essential operational costs: ground maintenance, legal compliance, and basic administration.
Volunteer, enroll your child, partner with us, or simply get in touch.
You don't need to know football. You need to care about children. We need coaches, mentors, photographers, event managers, data analysts, and people who will simply show up and be present for a child who needs an adult to believe in them.
Lead or assist training sessions. AFC qualification not required to start — we'll support you.
Help players with homework, school challenges, and career guidance once a week.
Document our players' journeys. Your camera could help us raise funds that change lives.
Help organize tournaments, community events, and donor engagement drives.
Register your child to train with Jayamahal Football Foundation. Please ensure all details match the player's Aadhar card.
Whether you want to donate, volunteer, partner, enroll your child, or simply visit — the gates of Jayamahal ground are always open. Come and see what we're building here.
