“After six months of lockdown, everything is different for us” – Awais Shaikh, Founder Feugo Tormento FC
Sports like life in adversities is all about bouncing back. When the pandemic first hit India in January, the nation failed to foresee the awaited challenges. After seven months, gradually when the country seeks to unlock itself, football is reviving at a slow pace.
For every small and medium-sized business alongside most of the MNCs, the liabilities column of the balance sheet has soared. Most industries faced immense losses and such is the case for the Sports Industry as well.
“After 6 months of lockdown, everything is different for us” informed Awais Shaikh, the Founder of Feugo Tormento Football Club. A grinding halt of six long months has heavily affected teams economically and has changed the entire scenario. The pandemic distressed the younger generation physically and the effects on mental health seem troublesome. Even if the cities are flexing the lockdown norms, parents are very afraid to send their children out.
In this scenario, as Awais says, “Sports has a huge role to play”. He believes that not only does sport help maintain fitness, but it has numerous psychological implications. “Sport plays a huge role in this pandemic. Not only does it increase immunity but also refreshes the mind. People need to be brave and get involved in Sports. Sitting at home and thinking of vaccine invention is anyway not helping, it’s better to step out, go for a run, cycling or maybe opt a sport” says Awais.
While Feugo Tormento resumed practice sessions adhering to all the Standing Operating Procedures, they are facing glaring difficulties to restart grassroots activities. “Around 20% of our total students started to train. Our grassroots academy started fairly with 40 students. We are sincerely thankful to all the parents who trusted us and are sending their kids.” explains Awais.
During the lockdown, Feugo Tormento organized online coaching sessions and focused on core building for their MDFA teams. But Awais strongly believes that practicing football individually at home is a difficult concept.
“Unfortunately, the turfs were closed during the lockdown. We started to train on the beaches, public parks and even on the empty roads early morning. Usually, we were interrupted by the police and were not allowed to train” recalls Awais.
“We organized online sessions. However, only 15% of the whole academy was convinced to take up something like that. The best thing about football is scoring goals and kids can’t do the same at home. There wasn’t much of an inclination towards online coaching. We even organized football education sessions and hired a nutritionist to speak about maintaining a good diet in lockdown” said Awais.
With the sponsors pulling out, the team has struggled financially. However, with the new season setting to start, Feugo has resumed their 1st and 3rd Division team sessions. They have organized trials and inducted top players from the fraternity.
“We have taken complete precautions and followed the SOP given by the government. We have installed sanitization machines at the turfs, installed sanitizer stands and coaches are strictly wearing the mask and gloves. We are doing regular temperature checking pre and post sessions to make sure all are safe” asserts Awais.
Feugo Tormento recently got a promotion to the MDFA 1st Division after a promising performance last season. The team conceded 2 goals and scored 30+ goals in their entire campaign where they played 11 matches. The 3rd Division team sees its players coming from the Grassroot academies, which is located in five centres at Mumbai. The management consists of certified coaches from the Australian Coaching Council and the organization is regarded as one of the best academies from the city.
Also Read: Ishan Pandita: I will let my play do the talking
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Second Half goals help IOT register a 2-1 win over Somaiya FC
India On Track picked up their third win in playoff to keep their dominance on the league table, as they defeated Somaiya FC 2-1 with a strong 2nd half comeback….
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC edge Hope United 2-1, moves to top of the Mumbai Premier League
In a highly anticipated match in the MFA’s Elite Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against KSA Hope United in a clash that promised excitement from the outset. From the get-go,…
Mumbai City FC U-19 punches ticket to the Mumbai Premier League
In a fiercely contested match at the Nevilee Dsouza ground, Mumbai City FC U-19 clinched a crucial victory over Maharashtra Oranje FC (U23) in MFA Super League playoffs. The stakes…
India leave for Saudi Arabia to play Afghanistan in World Cup Qualifiers
NEW DELHI: A 25-member Indian Senior Men’s Team left for Abha, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, March 15, 2024, to play the away tie against Afghanistan in the Round 2 of the…
MFA Super League: Mumbai City FC U19 lift title, India on Track FC confirm promotion
A hard fought 0-0 result meant Islanders colts lifting the MFA Super League title while India on track FC had to content with runner-up position, both gaining promotion to Mumbai…
MFA Super League Playoff: MH Oranje FC U23 beat Om Saidham 4-2
In a thrilling six-goal encounter, MH Oranje FC U23 emerged victorious with a 4-2 win over OM SaiDham FC in a MFA Super League Playoff encounter The game held immense…
Feature / MFA / MFA Super League / Recommended
“I am genuinely satisfied with the boys’ performance” – Soccer Saga Head Coach Krupesh Sherwade reflects on club’s debut season
Having just completed their inaugural season in the MFA Super League, Soccer Saga’s head coach, Krupesh Sherwade convey satisfaction with his boys performance, sharing insights into the club’s journey this…
Mumbai City FC Announce Squad for Reliance Foundation Development League
The Reliance Foundation Development League’s (RFDL) 2023/24 is upon us, and, Mumbai City FC, who are raring to go, have announced their squad for the tournament. The RFDL’s Mumbai region…
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…