Former India captain Sunil Chhetri joins an all-women FIFA Impact Accelerator Workshop in Boston, gaining insights into women’s football and social change. He will develop a project to empower communities and present his initiative at the programme’s next stage in London this December.
Former Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri has gained valuable insights into women’s football and the power of sport to bring about positive social change after participating in a three-day Impact Accelerator Workshop organised under FIFA’s Player Impact Programme in Boston, Massachusetts.
The 42-year-old footballer was the only male participant among 12 players who attended the workshop in June, reflecting the programme’s expanding vision of bringing together footballers from different backgrounds to create meaningful social impact. The initiative provided Chhetri with an opportunity to interact with some of the world’s leading female footballers and explore how their influence could be transformed into practical projects benefiting communities.
According to a report published on FIFA’s official website, the second cohort of the Player Impact Programme brought together 13 participants, with 11 members attending the three-day gathering in Boston. The programme aims to empower professional footballers to use their voices, influence, platforms and resources to address important social issues and create lasting change.
The workshop featured several prominent international women’s football stars, including Spain’s FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Alexia Putellas, Casey Phair of Korea Republic, Gabi Nunes of Brazil, Hina Sugita of Japan, Jessie Fleming of Canada, Kenza Dali of France, Maria Sanchez of Mexico, Michelle Agyemang of England, Phallon Tullis-Joyce of the United States, Racheal Kundananji of Zambia, Rasheedat Ajibade of Nigeria and Rebekah Stott of New Zealand, alongside Chhetri.
The three-day programme focused on helping participants identify social causes that matter to them and develop practical strategies to address those challenges. Through group discussions, practical exercises and expert-led sessions, the players shared their personal experiences, discussed their ambitions and explored how football’s popularity could become a powerful tool for positive transformation.
Chhetri’s participation also highlighted the growing inclusiveness of FIFA’s Player Impact Programme, which builds on the success of its female-only pilot initiative launched in 2025. The programme recognises that footballers have an important role beyond their performances on the pitch, as their achievements and public influence can inspire future generations and encourage positive changes in society.
Speaking about his experience, Chhetri expressed happiness at receiving the opportunity to participate in the initiative and learn from international players. He said he was eager to put the lessons into practice and appreciated meeting outstanding personalities and top-class footballers from different countries.
Emphasising that gender was not a barrier to learning and collaboration, Chhetri said the participants were simply amazing personalities brought together by their shared passion and commitment. His experience at the workshop offered a fresh perspective on how footballers, regardless of gender, can work collectively to address social challenges.
As part of the nine-month programme, participants will receive continued guidance, resources and practical support to transform their ideas into meaningful projects. The initiative is designed to help players move beyond discussions and develop sustainable programmes that can make a measurable difference in their respective communities.
Chhetri is expected to develop a project aimed at driving positive social change in India. His initiative will reflect the lessons and experiences gained during the Boston workshop and will be developed further with support from the programme.
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The next major milestone is scheduled for December, when participants will gather in London and take part in virtual sessions to present their proposed projects to fellow participants. The presentation will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, receive feedback and explore ways to turn their initiatives into reality.
Chhetri’s involvement in the FIFA Player Impact Programme represents an important opportunity to extend his contribution to Indian football beyond the playing field. By using his experience, popularity and influence, the former India captain is expected to explore new ways of supporting communities and inspiring positive social change through sport.
