Lisa Heydlauff, CEO, Going to School, with volunteers at Match Day 2026 in Bengaluru. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
More than 2,000 students from 18 government schools in Bengaluru participated in Match Day 2026 organized by NGO Going to School in association with the Government of Karnataka, Oracle Corporation, BT Group, British Asian Trust and Bengaluru FC at the Jaya Prakash Narayan Sports Ground here on Friday.
The event was part of the School in nature program for girls and boys, which was implemented on the basis of a memorandum of understanding with the state government. The initiative combines soccer with digital learning, STEM education, life skills and sustainable entrepreneurship for students in grades 5 to 10, with a particular focus on supporting girls to complete their education and prepare for green jobs and business opportunities.
The day started with an interactive meeting of representatives of partner organizations, after which students took turns in activities combining sport and technology.
As many as 36 teams participated in mini soccer matches led by coaches from Bengaluru FC along with coding challenges facilitated by volunteers from Oracle and BT.
Students completed hands-on exercises, including building artificial intelligence calculators and designing quizzes on climate change and smart city solutions. The program was supported by more than 100 company volunteers.
Organizers said the event followed a zero-plastic approach, with locally sourced food served on plates and climate awareness messages integrated throughout the venue. Later, this initiative will be extended to Raichur and five other rural districts of Karnataka.
“Match Day gives us the opportunity to bring young people together to play, learn and discuss the future skills they will need, particularly in areas such as climate action and digital inclusion,” said Lisa Heydlauff, CEO of Going to School.
Published – March 1, 2026 0:04 AM IST
