S.P. Football Academy’s quest for IWL
Missing a title by just one point can be a daunting feeling. It may be difficult to convert this year’s heartbreak into victory but an enthusiastic S.P. Football Academy will be looking forward to a strong comeback and lifting the trophy next year.
The Mumbai-based club let it slip through their fingers when they suffered a minor defeat against crosstown rivals – PIFA Sports – in the second round of their campaign. At that time, they did not think that they would also lose the title to PIFA.
Apart from that minor defeat, S.P. Football Academy had a stellar campaign in the IWL Qualifiers. The Steven Dias-led side scored 27 goals and conceded only 4 times.
“This is football”, acknowledged Mr. Deepu K, manager of the S.P. Football Academy.
S.P. Football Academy has been playing in the WIFA Women’s Football League for the last three years. Last season they finished fourth and this season they were runners-up. “It’s better than last year. Of course, missing the title by one point is a disappointing feeling. But that’s okay, football is a game of uncertainty and we have improved from last year and I am proud of that”, Mr. Deepu K said.
He admitted that it was difficult for the team to stay motivated during the COVID-induced break and added, “It was tough for the girls to stay motivated and train with the uncertainty of the league. But I am grateful to the parents. They stood by us as a form of constant support and sent their daughters to practice. I am also thankful to our coaches who conducted all the sessions despite this difficult situation and took care of the girls and motivated them.”
During the entire campaign, S.P. Football Academy fielded only homegrown players. It is the passion for the game that propelled the club. The manager sounded positive and said, “I have faith in this squad and believe it has a bright future. These girls played their hearts out and gave everything. We missed out on the title by a point but I am sure we will come back strong and try our best to win the title.”
The team’s head coach, Mr. Steven Dias, admitted that he enjoyed coaching the girls. “It was the first time I coached a women’s team and the support I got from the girls will have a very positive impact on my life,” he said.
Since it was his first time with the club, he got very little time with the girls. The former India international is a great believer in possession-based football, so from day one, he conducted several sessions with the ball. He feels the need for a proper pre-season to assess the team and build a strong squad. “I think we could have had a longer pre-season. This season we played 2 friendly matches against 2 teams from Pune before the league and I was happy with the team’s performance. Next season, we will try to play more friendlies and will also try to organize a proper pre-season before entering the league,” stated Mr. Dias.
Mr. Dias was also very impressed with the attitude of the squad. “I was impressed by the punctuality of the girls. We used to have 2 sessions per day and because we do not have a residential facility, the girls had to travel from different corners of Mumbai, yet they used to report 15 minutes even half an hour before every session. This is one of the reasons why I enjoyed coaching them. The defeat against PIFA was heartbreaking indeed. We were able to hold them for 90 minutes and a small mistake on our part resulted in their goal. Despite that defeat, the team remained positive and fought until the end of the campaign. I’m impressed with this attitude.”
“As a club, we are at a very young stage. We started participating only 3 years ago and good things will take time. The team is always ready to learn and they are eager to improve. We are looking for female coaches and I will personally coach these girls and we will try to win the league next time”, concluded a very optimistic Mr. Dias.
Mr. Deepu K said, “After finishing as runners-up we are hopeful that we will get a chance to play in Indian Women’s League (IWL) as last time also 2 teams from Maharashtra got a chance. So we are keeping our fingers crossed”. “I am happy with the team. I am very pleased with Steven and his staff. I would like to thank our assistant coach Pritam Mahadik. He was responsible for the team’s training and had a big hand in keeping the girls together. I am also thankful to the goalkeeping coach Manoj Nair, who worked hard to give the best training to our goalkeepers. I am very grateful for the commendable efforts of our physio Dr. Pooja Bhowad who kept the team injury-free. Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to the Promoter of our club Mr. Sunil Poojari for providing the girls an opportunity to play in the WIFA Women’s Football League. Overall, I am grateful to everyone associated with the team. I am sure we will do better next season,” he maintained.
The manager also thanked Western India Football Association (WIFA) before concluding and said, “All credit goes to WIFA for organizing the league in such challenging circumstances.”
Many states are yet to organize their own IWL Qualifiers. S.P. Football Academy will hope that they will get a chance to participate in the national top tier. Time will tell whether they will get that chance or not, but one thing is certain they will continue to work hard and improve under Mr. Dias’s guidance.
Credits – WIFA Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: PIFA perfected the proverb ‘Practice Makes Perfect’
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
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…