The odd journey on a road less taken – A Football story
Amidst big names with bigger resources and facilities, a local football club from Mumbai with local boys in their lineup, have smashed all doubts to reach the final rounds of All India Youth leagues
On 10th of June 2018, when AIFF accreditated Youth Soccer Academy to play youth league (junior I league), the decision before the board was whether to conduct open trials or to go ahead with the academy boys. The club decided unlike other academies to go ahead with the homegrown boys who were a part of their academy system.
‘We are Gonna play well and we are Gonna Do it Together’.
While the players were skeptical at first and doubted their ability to compete on that stage against some of the renowned clubs in Mumbai, the Head Coach and Academy owner encouraged them stating, ‘We are Gonna play well and We are Gonna Do it Together’.
Everyone soon started working for the same goal, by training thrice a week. The players faced academic challenges as it was the 1st time when all the kids were in 12 months programme.
Academic goals and motivation from Seniors
Often times the club would indulge their U16 players alongside the younger ones, this was done to ensure the U13 understand to importance of their academic performances. The humility, teamwork and spirit of helping each other throughout are something that the club believes in.
Budget Difficulties and Team Development
Coming up with a budget for a yearlong Academy programme was one the toughest point for the club. Unlike other big budget teams with available facilities or sponsors, YSA had to have a meticulously planned budget that involved charging reasonable fees from Kids to make sure the club met its costs while also ensuring that players, who could not afford were trained for free. When the season went overboard by 4 months, the owner JP put forth his own personal savings and was very clear that the game should not suffer.
Even before the season started the club ensured that the kids went through a proper preseason routine and during the season were given feedbacks and worked on areas of Improvement. Club recorded most of the games and provided constant feedback to kids through Audio-Visual sessions. Kids were constantly iterated and corrected on eating and sleeping habits which subsequently improved their fitness and performances. Parents alongside kids were briefed about the importance of eating right.
National Qualifications and Performance
When the news of qualification to nationals came in everyone were jubilant but it was a challenge for us nonetheless as most of the parents had planned vacations (May 1st to May 20th). So unlike all the teams who came for nationals with their squad strength of 30, YSA went with just 16 players. Two of the players had just recovered from illness and despite the club offering them an option to stay back and recover they choose to travel for the team. It was a difficult for the young players staying away from home but they were all motivated for success and it soon came when the club bagged the SP Cup tournament held in Goa in 1st week. To ensure kids are not getting homesick the club allowed parents to meet them and conducted lots of fun sessions at pool and beaches to keep them mentally fresh.
A bittersweet final Round
Going up against teams with strong experienced Academies, high scouting network and players from all over India, it was always going to being difficult. YSA’s three opponents were, FC Madras – a side that scored 48 goals during their Zonal qualifications, FC Goa – the academy of Indian Super league outfit and Sudeva FC – one of the Delhi’s top clubs.
In the opening game against the free-scoring FC Madras, YSA strategically stalled their attacks and held on to resolute defence for a goal less draw. In the 2nd game, against FC Goa – a team whose senior side has been renowned for its free flowing and attacking football, showed a similar technical capability on field as they went in to the break with a goal lead. However, a quick pep talk from Coach rejuvenated the spirits as despite conceding another goal via defensive lapses, YSA came out all guns blazing to score a goal from 25 yards through a free-kick. Luck favoured the goans as despite continues attacking moves, the club failed to find the net again, hitting the crossbars numerous time while the players failed to capitalise on couple of goal-line opportunities.
Despite the loss, the performances drew applause from the goan fans as everyone on the stands clapped for the young kids from Mumbai. Even officials acknowledged the team spirit and fight. In the final game against Sudeva FC, YSA once again conceded first to go 0-1 but this time the comeback was stronger and soon after going 0-1 down YSA came up with a 30 yard screamer to make it 1-1. This was followed by 2 more quick to win the game 3-1. Despite failing to qualify for the semi-finals, the club was overwhelmed by support they received from the stands. Unknown football fans cheering for this bunch of lads for their fight and football display on field.
Passion, Proper Goals showing results
Throughout the journey, Jaywant Pathak who started the team ensured that the developmental goals were always ahead of results. The club emphasized more on player growth and good football and wanted to inculcate these philosophies from a young age.
In the youth league, the club faced teams, who were richer and more experienced but with sheer passion and grit the club garnered results on the back of some quality player building.
We had said a year back – ‘We will play Good Football and we will show how its done’ and we have shown it. Whether its football or life there is no quitting and constant focus is on Development and growth.
‘Better Everday, Greater Everday. Go YSA’
– Jaywant Pathak
For fixtures, group standings, feature articles, match reports and tournament stats on Hero IWL, visit here–> Hero Indian Women League
Also Read: Maurya Foundation to conduct trials for MDFA 2nd Division Campaign
Also Read: Hero IWL Semi-final 2: Free Scoring Sethu FC face resurgent Central SSB
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
Lallianzuala Chhangte: I wouldn’t be here today if not for the chances given to me by the ISL
Mumbai, March 26: Nineteen games into the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, Mumbai City FC finds itself placed comfortably at the top of the table with 41 points. They are well…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…