adidas and Common Goal are supporting the international organisation Enabling Leadership to deliver the Play for the Planet project in the Dharwad District and surrounding communities in Karnataka, India. Launched in 2011, the initiative uses football-based learning to develop life skills, leadership and environmental awareness among children. By combining sport, education and community engagement, this popular programme demonstrably strengthens confidence, teamwork and responsibility.

THE CHALLENGE

In India, many children are enrolled in government schools where the opportunities to develop life skills and learn about environmental issues are limited. As part of the project, climate-adapted sports infrastructure was restored in six rural schools, paired with leadership and environmental education. These improvements help schools and local communities adapt to changing climate conditions such as heavy rainfall, erosion and extended dry periods.

INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSFORMATION

As an example, at GHS Kalakeri – a co-educational school serving for grades 8 to 10 – work is underway to level the large playing fields at the front of the campus. The initial phase involves flattening and compacting the soil to create a surface that can withstand heavy rainfall and channel excess water into a nearby lake serving the local village. Surrounding the field, the planting of saplings represents a longer-term initiative. These trees will provide shade and shelter over time, as well as help prevent soil erosion. Students at the school are actively involved in caring for the saplings, ensuring they grow into healthy, mature trees. This tree-planting effort supports multiple objectives: it enhances the local ecosystem, strengthens climate resilience, and creates a more sustainable environment for the school and the wider community. Moreover, at DPEP Mugad, located 45 minutes from GHS Kalakeri, the playground, field and landscaping work has been completed, and the school and wider community are already benefiting from the improvements.

EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT

Alongside infrastructure upgrades, students learn about waste management, recycling and sustainable resource use. A strong focus on gender inclusion ensures that girls and boys participate equally, fostering leadership and empowerment through mixed sports activities. adidas and Common Goal will continue to support Enabling Leadership and the Play for the Planet initiative in 2026 - with a focus on developing climate–adapted infrastructure for rural schools and providing environmental education alongside sports activities.

people mission

We’re committed to helping make sport equal through greater access, equity and inclusion for its most underserved communities.