SPORTS FOR TRANSFORMATION FELLOWSHIP
INDIA'S FIRST SPORTS FOR DEVELOPMENT FELLOWSHIP
The Sports for Transformation Fellowship is a joint initiative by Dani Sports Foundation and Kapadwanj Kelavani Mandal started in June 2023, crafted for experiential learning where theory seamlessly meets practice, and play ignites purpose.
This two-year residential program targets individuals passionate about harnessing sports for social impact, blending hands-on fieldwork, structured learning, technical competencies, mentorship, and deep reflection. It's not merely about learning, it's about becoming.
ABOUT KKM AND KAPADWANJ
KKM, a progressive education trust founded in 1940 and based in Kapadwanj, Kheda district, Gujarat, serves as an experimental space for Sports for Development (S4D) leadership.
Fellows train within a real, replicable community model, gaining exposure to grassroots realities through intense practice in planning, execution, and implementation. As the learning, facilitation, and infrastructure partner for SfTF, KKM bridges education for a tangible outcome.
CURRICULUM
The Sports for Transformation Fellowship teaches in a way that mixes learning in a classroom with real-life experiences. It talks about things like how to run sports events, lead teams, work with people in communities, and make plans for projects that use sports to help people.
The way the program is organized lets the fellows work on actual projects in communities. This way, they can use what they learned and get better at important skills needed for leading sports activities and making communities better
JOURNEY OF A FELLOW
Program Induction
Fellows are formally welcomed and introduced to the program's core values, expectations and structure.
Field Engagement
Fellows gain hands-on experience by working directly with children and teachers in partner schools.
Bootcamp & Workshops
Fellows reflect on their experiences and enhance their skills through collaborative exercises.
Internship
Fellows apply their learning in real-world work environments to gain practical experience.
Bootcamp
Fellows reflect on their internship learnings, further develop their skills, and prepare for final placements.
Convocation
Fellows receive career support to secure roles that align with their expertise and passion in sports.
Convocation
Fellows receive career support to secure roles that align with their expertise and passion in sports.
FELLOWSHIP PROCESS
Semester 1:
Foundation
-
Exposure through on-ground practice
-
Education domain understanding
-
Introduction to Sports for Development ecosystem
Semester 2:
Practice & Perspective
-
Implementing field
interventions -
Linking theory with
practice -
Understanding global
S4D ecosystem
Semester 3:
Leadership in Action
-
Leading an independent
field project -
Learning field research &
documentation -
Navigating real-world
challenges
Semester 4:
Professional Integration
-
Field internship
-
Understanding
organisational systems -
Developing professional
skills & competencies
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Ideal candidates are as outlined below. A sports background is a plus, not a barrier.
-
Aged 20–25 years
-
Comfortable working with children and communities
-
Hold a bachelor’s degree
-
Bring curiosity, commitment, and openness
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Round 1
Application form
Round 2
Video Bites Submission
Round 3
Group Discussion
Round 4
Final Interviews
Final Selection
May 2026
Fellowship Starts
July 2026
WHAT STAYS WITH YOU
A Lifelong Network of
sports-for-development
practitioners
Mentors for Life —
guidance beyond the
program
Friends & Community
built through shared
purpose
Opportunities with DSF,
KKM, and partner
organisations
TESTIMONIALS
RUCHI RAI
Fellow, SfT
Sports have a magical power to transform lives, and I experienced it firsthand. This fellowship reignited that incredible feeling for me as an adult. The best part is the amazing diversity it offers - people from all backgrounds and walks of life come together on a common ground to create empowering activities and safe spaces for underprivileged children through the medium of sports.
VIJAY KATARIA
Fellow, SfT
In my school days, I played Kho Kho and Kabaddi, but this fellowship opened my eyes to the wonderful world of Ultimate Frisbee. It provided me with an amazing platform not just to play but also to work closely with children, including those with special needs. This experience allowed me to freely express myself, discover my true passion, and find a higher purpose in life.
