“Sport dans la Ville” Students Exposed to the Fashion Industry

On July 16, the Foundation gathered 5 young people (18 years old and older) from Sport dans la Ville at Theory, a New York-based men’s and women’s contemporary fashion label which sells clothes and accessories. They met one of our Young Leaders and board member, Siddhartha Shukla, Chief Merchandising Officer at Theory, and his team for an informal but passionate discussion on the fashion industry and its progression over the years. They also had the chance to see the designers working on their new collection.

Since New York City is the center of fashion, and offers world-class creative talent, these young people were thrilled to learn more about this trendy brand.

Sport dans la Ville is a French leading non-profit organization serving disadvantaged young people through sports and job-readiness training. Founded in 1998, today we operate in 36 urban neighborhoods. Through sports activities (street soccer, basketball, hip hop, rugby and tennis), we impart the values of self-confidence, teamwork, dedication, leadership and hard work leading children on the path towards a brighter future. Around 6,000 young people aged from 6 to 25 are currently involved in our programs.

Thanks to its 20-year experience in contact with underprivileged populations, Sport dans la Ville has created innovative and highly performing educational programs dedicated to serve the youth at every stage of their development.

One important program consists of international exchanges including exchanges with the US. This program contributes to the empowerment of selected French participants. It provides mentoring opportunities, builds their sense of teamwork, and demonstrates the opportunities available to them outside of their neighborhoods, in addition to facilitating cross-cultural communication and understanding. Such programs also help the participants to practice their English, determine their career goals, develop skills and make concrete connections with the corporate world.