In observance of Children’s Day on 14th November and World Prematurity Day on 17th November, the Neonates Foundation of India (NFI), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial support and access to quality neonatal care for underprivileged families, teamed up with South United Football Club (SUFC) to host a football tournament aimed at raising awareness regarding Newborn Survival in India. The event, titled ‘Goal for Good Cup’, brought together 78 children, in the age categories of Under 7 and Under 9, to rally behind the cause of newborn care.

The tournament served as a platform for SUFC and NFI to shine a spotlight on the critical need for quality neonatal care for premature and critically ill newborns, particularly those from low-income households. Support for the event came from a range of partners, including DTSS, Manipal Hospitals, Tata Soulfull, and Peak Performance.

Suma Jairam, Spokesperson for the Neonates Foundation of India, commented, “At Neonates Foundation of India, we are deeply committed to making neonatal care accessible to families from the low-income section. World Prematurity Day is a powerful reminder of the challenges premature infants face, and this collaboration with South United Football Club is a heartfelt initiative to bring our community together for these newborns. We are incredibly thankful to our brand partners, and parents of the participants, for their support.”

South United Football Club, based in Bengaluru, is committed to fostering a sustainable sporting ecosystem and created a unique opportunity, through this tournament, to inspire young athletes while contributing to a greater cause.

Prerana Dhawan, CMO and COO at South United Football Club, said, "On this World Prematurity Day, we are excited to partner with NFI to teach our young athletes the value of teamwork both on the field and in service to society. It’s indeed heartening to see the enthusiasm and empathy displayed by the children and parents alike. We are hopeful that the ‘Goal for Good Cup’ will make a positive impact by raising awareness about neonatal care and highlighting the importance of preventive measures to reduce neonatal mortality. Through the power of sports, we aim to drive change and promote a healthier future for newborns."

Premature birth remains a significant challenge in Karnataka, where timely access to Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) is essential for survival. In 2020, Karnataka’s neonatal mortality rate was alarmingly high at 14 per 1,000 live births, underscoring the urgent need for improved care and support systems. The Neonates Foundation of India, through its network of 31 partner hospitals across the country, has already provided life-saving NICU care to over 100 infants in need of intensive treatment.

As neonatal mortality continues to be a national crisis, NFI emphasizes that with the collective support of individuals, organizations, and communities, these heartbreaking losses can be significantly reduced. Saving a newborn is not just saving a life; it’s securing the future of our society.


About South United Football Club:

South United Football Club made its debut in the I-League Second Division in 2012, highlighting the beginning of its illustrious journey. Since then, the Club has consistently delivered high-level performances in Karnataka’s footballing scene, underscoring its commitment to developing local players and supporting young athletes.


For more information about South United Football Club, visit www.sufcindia.com.