MFA revives Harwood League: Cooperage set to host the iconic competition

by Chittu Shetty September 21, 2024

After a brief break, Mumbai football fans are in for a treat as the prestigious Harwood League makes its much-anticipated return with Cooperage Stadium playing hosts to the competition.

The Mumbai Football Association (MFA) has revived the historic tournament, which will feature some of the top teams from the Mumbai Premier League and the Mumbai Corporate Premier League. The tournament will bring Mumbai football league action back to Cooperage Stadium, a venue synonymous with Mumbai football, after several years of absence.

Format and Teams

The competition will kick off on 21st September 2024, featuring eight teams divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals, leading up to the grand final on 5th October 2024.

The lineup for the Harwood League 2024-25 is as follows:

• Group A: Bank of Baroda, Oranje FC, Hope United, Millat FC
• Group B: Mumbai Customs, Reliance Foundation Youth Champs (RFYC), Kalina Rangers-CFF, Sponsor (ICL)

Notably, current Mumbai Premier League Champions MYJGMSC have opted out of this edition as they will be traveling to Kolkata for the I-League 3 Playoff rounds, missing out on the competition.

The Return to Cooperage Stadium

Another exciting aspect of the league’s return is the comeback of Mumbai football to Cooperage Football Ground. In recent years, all Mumbai league matches were being held at Neville Dsouza Ground, Bandra. After several years, Cooperage will once again play host to all of the Harwood League fixtures, bringing a nostalgic and thrilling atmosphere for both players and fans alike. This is a significant boost for the Mumbai football scene, as Cooperage remains an iconic venue with a rich history in Indian football.

Full Fixture List

Here is the complete fixture list for the Harwood League 2024-25:

With the tournament just around the corner, excitement is building across the Mumbai football community. Clubs like Oranje FC, Millat FC, and Mumbai Customs are looking to make their mark, while young talents from RFYC will be in the spotlight, giving fans a glimpse of future stars.

As the Harwood League returns, fans and players alike can gear up for some high-intensity football. The tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with Cooperage Stadium once again hosting competitive matches. Mark your calendars for 21st September, with the grand final set for 5th October 2024.

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