Australian Deputy Consul Gen Jack visits Slum Soccer

 

 

 

THE Deputy Consul General of Australia Christian Jack confirmed his country’s support to the city-headqurtered Slum Soccer’s Shakti Girls Programme. Jack recently visited Slum Soccer’s Bokhara campus and handed over the official certificate confirming support through the Australian Direct Aid Programme for Mumbai for the year 2025–2026. He was welcomed by Dr Abhijeet Barse, CEO of Slum Soccer, and Vijay Barse, Founder of the organisation. During his visit, Dr Barse introduced Jack to the work being done by Slum Soccer, particularly the Shakti Girls Programme, which provides a safe and empowering platform for girls from low-income communities and schools to play football and build life skills.

 

Jack not only interacted with the participants but also joined them on the field, playing a friendly match alongside Slum Soccer staff and community members. Addressing the gathering, Jack emphasised Australia’s commitment to promoting gender equality through sport and highlighted how the Australian High Commission aims to create real opportunities for girls to thrive through collaborations like these initiatives. “This partnership is not just a funding opportunity,” Jack said, “but a chance to witness real change on the ground. We are proud to support a programme that is breaking barriers and creating new spaces for girls to dream, play, and lead,” said Jack.