The Opportunity
Patang is at an exciting growth phase and aims to scale up Samata Cup – a transformative initiative using sports to challenge and dismantle gender stereotypes, fostering an equitable society. Samata Cup is a mixed-gender football tournament that brings together young boys and girls (ages 15-24) to form mixed teams in their villages or communities. Through football, boys become active change-makers, challenging and transforming deeply ingrained gender norms. Launched in the year 2023 with 10 mixed teams from Sambalpur district, the tournament has grown significantly, fuelled by community enthusiasm and stakeholder support. In 2024, 20 mixed teams from five additional districts - Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Bargarh, Subarnapur, and Debagarh—participated. Over the past two years, the Samata Cup has engaged and impacted more than 50,000 boys and girls across Western Odisha, fostering positive shifts in gender norms, nurturing inspirational role models, and strengthening community participation in the movement towards gender equality. This transformative initiative has successfully mobilized and influenced young people and key stakeholders, including parents, media representatives, sports associations, football clubs, and community leaders, creating a supportive ecosystem for inclusive sports and social change. By challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for equal opportunities in football, the Samata Cup continues to serve as a catalyst for empowerment, leadership, and lasting societal transformation. Going forward we are committed to expanding the Samata Cup to all districts in Odisha by 2025, ensuring a broader reach and deeper community engagement. Building on this momentum, our vision for 2026 is to scale the tournament nationwide, bringing together young athletes from across India to champion gender equality through football.
About Us
Patang is a dynamic NGO based in Sambalpur, Odisha, India, dedicated to tackling critical issues such as youth development, gender equality, and education. Since our inception in 2003, we have dedicated ourselves to driving social change by empowering young people, with a team of 35+ professionals, largely from marginalized communities. We are passionate about fostering inclusive, sustainable development in Western Odisha and beyond. Please visit our website www.patangindia.org . Also review our website, film, articles, and media coverage (both social and print) to gain a deeper understanding of our work and impact.
Organisational Context
At Patang, we believe that the foremost challenge in Western Odisha is building inclusive and dynamic leadership. Our goal is to empower communities with the knowledge and skills to lead, while preserving the forests, culture, languages, and traditional wisdom that are intrinsic to the region’s identity. Patang has invested deeply in local leadership, expanding its footprint over the past two decades to become a recognized organization in civil society and academia. With a team of 35-50+ members and 100+ volunteers, we foster youth leadership through programs that promote alternative perspectives, cross-border understanding, and challenge stereotypes. As we continue to grow, we seek to enhance program management, grant management, and knowledge management across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
The Samata Cup Coordinator will play a pivotal role in expanding the Samata Cup football tournament at a pan-national level. The position holder will lead the tournament’s strategic expansion and execution in collaboration with football associations, institutions, and sports clubs to promote gender equality, empower young people, and foster youth leadership through sports.
1. Planning & Coordination
Facilitate the formation of the Samata Cup Committee, ensuring diverse representation from key stakeholders, including community leaders, coaches, and youth advocates.
2. Scale-up and Partnerships
Develop strategic partnerships with sports clubs, educational institutions, local football associations, and community organizations to strengthen the tournament’s reach and impact.
Build relationships with local government bodies, media outlets, and donor organizations to enhance visibility and support for Samata Cup.
Identify and enroll teams from all the districts of Odisha for tournament expansion, ensuring regional diversity and inclusivity.
3. Capacity Building & Training
Organize residential training programs for team representatives, focusing on technical football skills, leadership development, and gender sensitization.
4. Logistics and Operations
Oversee all pre-tournament logistics, including venue booking, resource procurement, team registration, and safety measures.
Develop and manage the tournament schedule, ensuring smooth operations, and adherence to game regulations. Coordinate match-day logistics, including team organization, referee assignments, audience management, and emergency response planning.
Establish mechanisms for real-time reporting and data collection during the tournament to track participation, performance, and impact.
5. Financial Management
Manage tournament budgets, ensuring cost-effective resource utilization and compliance with financial policies.
Track and document expenses, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions, providing detailed financial reports to the management team.
6. Documentation
Prepare and submit a comprehensive tournament report, including key learnings, success stories, and recommendations for future iterations.
7. Internal processes
Actively participate in organizational training, review sessions, planning exercises, team meetings, and retreats to contribute to Patang’s overall mission.
The role requires a dynamic, motivated leader who is passionate about using football as a tool for social transformation. The Samata Cup Coordinator will drive meaningful change by leveraging sports to challenge traditional gender roles,
inspire young leaders, and build more inclusive communities.
Educational Qualification, Skill & Experience
At Patang, we believe that the foremost challenge in Western Odisha is building inclusive and dynamic leadership. Our goal is to empower communities with the knowledge and skills to lead, while preserving the forests, culture, languages, and traditional wisdom that are intrinsic to the region’s identity. Patang has invested deeply in local leadership, expanding its footprint over the past two decades to become a recognized organization in civil society and academia. With a team of 35-50+ members and 100+ volunteers, we foster youth leadership through programs that promote alternative perspectives, cross-border understanding, and challenge stereotypes. As we continue to grow, we seek to enhance program management, grant management, and knowledge management across the organization.
Compensation and Benefits
Patang offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including EPF, gratuity, and medical and accidental insurance. Working with Patang provides a unique opportunity to drive positive change in the lives of young people across India.
How to Apply
Please submit 1. Resume 2. Cover Letter 3. Two references 4. Statement of Purpose (SoP) covering the following details - Experience working with youth, particularly in sports-based programs, specifically in Football Explain why you’re the right fit for the role of Samata Cup Coordinator. Send your application to career@patangindia.org with the subject line: “Application for Samata Cup Coordinator by 31st March 2025. Note: The selected candidate is expected to join immediately.