Recap of inaugural MDFA Master League

by Siddharth Yadav October 28, 2016

The inaugural season of MDFA Mumbai FC Master League finished on a high note last season with 1700+ kids from 40+ different schools and 30+ different academies from various parts of Mumbai participated in the month-long football extravaganza. It turned out to be a huge success which became the sole reason for MDFA and Mumbai City FC to organised a similar event in few days time.

Here is the recap of the tournament –

The inaugural season of the MDFA Mumbai FC Masters League kicked off on the 16th January 2016 at three locations – Andheri Sports Complex, Andheri (West), Saint Xavier’s Ground , Parel and Kick Football Turf, Powai.

A total of 260 teams participated in this inaugural Masters League. 100 teams at Andheri Sports Complex, 90 teams at St. Xavier’s Ground, and 70 teams at Powai. The popularity of the league rose up when teams from widespread parts of the city from as far as Colaba, Vasai, Kalyan, Thane, Navi Mumbai and few teams from even Pune took part in the tournament.

Top schools and academies also took part in this league which was quite sensational for the growth of grassroots and develop the young players. Don Bosco (Matunga),  St. Paul High School (Parel), Raj Hans (Andheri), Hansraj (Andheri) and Sri Ma Gurukul (Thane) were among the top schools which participated in the league.

Whereas, Mumbai Sporting (Andheri), Christ Academy (Saki Naka), Vinners Football Academy (Vasai), and India on Track (Thane) were the renowned academies to play in Masters League. Such huge involvement of Schools and Academies proved to be the major boost as it attracted hundreds of people towards the league.

The facilities provided were top-notch and it got massive appreciation. All the games were played on artificial pitches, and also provided complete protection and safety to young footballers.

There were Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, and Under 14 categories for Boys, whereas, for Girls, there was Under 14 category for providing equal opportunity to both, boys and girls.

Winners

Under 8 – St. Paul High School overcame a spirited Millat FC 2-0 in tie-breaker to become Under 8 Champions. Parth and Vedant scored one each which proved to be enough for St. Paul. Parth was named as the Man Of The Match for his impressive performance.

Under 10 – Don Bosco Matunga ‘A’ was crowned as the Champions after defeating Don Bosco Matunga ‘B’ 1-0 in tie-breaker. Utkarsh scored the only goal and also went on to receive the Man Of The Match award.

Under 12 – Don Bosco Matunga dominated their counterpart Kalina Youngster Foundation to win the Under 12 title by registering a 5-1 victory. Vedant scored a fine hat-trick and also awarded with Man Of The Match award.

Under 14 (Boys) – Palkaya FC defeated Kapadia Nagar KNFC 5-2 to become the Champions in Boys category. Anurag registered a hat-trick and Imran notched up two goals to win it for Palkaya FC. Anurag was named as the Man Of The Match.

Under 14 (Girls) – Christ Academy marched on to victory after overcoming FCM Khiladi Connect 3-0. Nidhi Shetty scored a brace in the final and got away with the Man Of The Match award.