Rajshahi village youth fund own sports field to curb drug use and foster community cohesion

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In a remarkable display of community initiative, the youth of Kathalpada village in Rajshahi’s Paba upazila have transformed a local guava orchard into a thriving athletic hub to combat the lack of public recreational space. Faced with a complete absence of sports facilities, the local youth organization, Kathalpada Yuba Sangha, took the lead two years ago by leasing over three bighas of land to construct a dedicated field for football and cricket, funded entirely through private donations from villagers.

The project requires an annual lease payment of 120,000 taka, a substantial sum met by contributions ranging from small individual donations to significant amounts provided by club members and residents. According to the organization’s leadership, the primary objective is to steer the younger generation away from substance abuse and sedentary habits by providing a structured environment for physical activity and social interaction.

The impact of the field has been profound, with local residents reporting a noticeable improvement in the social fabric of the village. The grounds have become a daily gathering spot for 50 to 100 people every afternoon, fostering discipline, camaraderie, and a stronger sense of community. Elderly residents have praised the initiative, noting that the presence of the field has effectively mitigated drug-related issues among the local youth, who now spend their afternoons in competitive play rather than wandering aimlessly.

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Beyond its role as an athletic venue, the field has become a central point for local social development. Kathalpada Yuba Sangha, which received formal government registration in 2018, leverages the cohesion built on the pitch to organize humanitarian efforts, including the distribution of winter clothing and aid to marginalized families during religious holidays. Members of the club, such as Biplob Hossain, highlight that while the village lacks formal educational institutions like schools or colleges, the passion for sports has enabled local athletes to excel and gain recognition in district-level competitions.

Despite the financial strain of maintaining the lease, the youth organizers remain committed to the project’s future. For the members of the Kathalpada Yuba Sangha, the true measure of their success is not merely the athletic talent emerging from their ranks, but the cultivation of a healthy, disciplined generation that remains deeply rooted in their community.