Chennaiyin's Imprints Of Happiness

The players kick­started the initiative to paint Corporation schools in Chennai recently. Veteran Spanish defender Inigo Calderon, who has impressed both on and off the pitch, said he was enjoying taking part in the outreach programmes organised by the club.

As part of Nippon Paint's and United Way's initiative of painting 200 Corporation schools, Chennaiyin FC players were invited to set the ball rolling at a Chennai Middle School recently.

Despite the hectic schedule and the rigours of training, Chennaiyin players were seen enjoying their day out — painting, dancing, playing keepie­ups and taking questions from the enthusiastic students. The teachers were surprised to see their students gleefully lap up the presence of footballers. Children from neighbouring schools also got wind of the news and rushed in time to catch a glimpse of their favourite players.

Dhanpal Ganesh, who became the first local player to play for the club this season, received the loudest cheer. He talked about his days of kicking a ball around in the streets of Vyasarpadi.

Veteran Spanish defender Inigo Calderon, who has impressed both on and off the pitch in his maiden stint in India, said he was enjoying taking part in the outreach programmes organised by the club. "Sometimes it feels like we live in a box for 24 hours. It's good to go out and see these kids who are full of energy. I love their personality. They are the future and you feel the energy from them," Calderon said.

Home or away, it’s all the same