India, May 2 -- Ten teenagers from Rurka Kalan-a Jalandhar village once synonymous with left activism-are swapping local pitches for the global stage. They are set to represent India in the 5th edition of the Street Child World Cup (SCWC) in Mexico from May 5-15.

The village's transition from a hub of political activities, particularly after the decade of militancy, to a football powerhouse is a story of social engineering. The same grassroots mobilisation once used for activism has been redirected into a cooperative sports model, using football to steer youth away from social challenges and toward international opportunities.

Aged 14 to 17, these budding footballers are products of the Youth Football Club (YFC) academy. While they trai...