The Tiruchirapalli Multipurpose Social Service Society (TMSSS) have initiated a new project, second to Kolkalta in India with the logistical support of Real Madrid Foundation and City of Hope and Joy Foundation, Madrid, Spain. The new project meant for football training has been named as “St. Thomas Social Sports School”. The main objective of establishing the Social Sports School is to impulse social integration with children in severe risk of exclusion and poverty through sports. To facilitate practicing and learning different abilities as a healthy alternative in their recreational timings. Through sports practice they are intended to be led to a process of self maturity with their participation, creativity, team work learning and sports.

St. Thomas Social Sports School was formally inaugurated at St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Nazareth, Kunnathur P.O., Viralimalai, Pudukottai district by Rt. Rev. Dr. Antony Devotta, the Bishop of Tiruchirapalli Diocese in the august presence of Mrs. Maria Moreno, the President and member delegates of City of Hope and Joy Foundation, and Mr. Nicola Giampiero Follo, the coach of Real Madrid Foundation on 02nd March 2013. The Correspondent and Head Master, Teacher, Staff and the Students of St. Thomas Higher Secondary School also were present. Prior to the establishment of the School the Real Madrid Coach Mr. Nicola gave both theoretical and practical training in football for 3 days to 15 coaches selected from Tiruchy and around. 40 students from R.C. Higher Secondary School, Tiruchy were also involved in the field training from Feb 28 to 02 March 2013. All the 15 coaches were awarded a certificate issued by Real Madrid Foundation for their active participation in the 3 day course during the inaugural function. The project intends to provide coaching in football to 200 students hailing from socially and economically backward communities selected from R.C. Higher Secondary School, Tiruchy and St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Nazareth, Among the trainees 115 will be boys and 85 girls and all of them between the age group of 09 and 12. The project will go initially for three years now and it is likely to be continued further.

Fr. Jeyakumar, Head Master and Correspondent of St. Thomas Higher Secondary School Nazareth proposed the Welcome address, Fr. Susai Alangaram, Secretary of TMSSS briefly out lined the gist, need and importance of this new project, Mrs. Maria Moreno, the President of City of Hope and Joy Foundation and Rt. Rev. Dr. Antony Devotta, the Bishop delivered special addresses and Fr. B. John Selvaraj, the Assistant of TMSSS proposed the vote of thanks. With the National Anthems of India and Spain the function came to a close.