Dare to Dream series – Episode 3: Interviewing Ridge D’Mello

by Siddharth Yadav July 26, 2016

With the new season of MSSA (Mumbai Schools Sports Association) underway, we take a look at a 14 year old bright prospect who has already made his name in the U-14 Indian side, and is surely looking to do same when representing Sacred Heart Boys High School in the 3^rd division of MSSA U-16.

Ridge D’Mello was an integral part of Mumbai Rush Soccer Club (MRSC) who worked for the betterment of developing players across the city of dreams. Ridge joined the academy in 2012 and soon impressed everyone by bagging the title of best player at Mumbai Rush Champions League 2012.

“I was inspired and elated. I knew that I had made my family proud. I believe nothing is impossible if you believe in god & I had always prayed for that moment.

I can’t forget the coaching and facilities I received from my school coach AP Rodrigues, and of course the Rush Academy coaches George Sir & Mitch Sir, all of whom have been my inspiration and support,” Ridge told to Footballcounter regarding his early days in MRSC, back in 2012.

Earlier this year, Ridge also went on to captain Mumbai and Maharashtra in the Sub Juniors Tournament where he was Mumbai’s top scorer, and also helped them to reach the final.

Ridge is feted not only for his talent but also for his beliefs in god and other values. “Well my whole life has revolved around my faith in god & my passion for football. Everytime I step on the field I ask god to help and guide me to do my best. Everything else falls in place after that, I am proud that I have accomplish all these things at such a young age,” Ridge said.

Ridge’s breakthrough came when he was named in the U-14 side of Indian team for the AFC Football Festival, which was held in Tajikistan. Representing your country at such a young age is nothing more than a huge accomplishment for anyone.

“It was a heartrending movement because I have always wanted to represent my country at an International level .Just wearing the AIFF jersey took me to another level as I have always looked forward to that moment .The memory of representing India will always be etched in my mind for years to come,” Ridge proudly described the moment he always dreamt of.

Ridge also admitted how his school has played a huge role in maturing him as a player and as a responsible person. “I am very nostalgic about studying in Sacred Heart because my dad has studied there and he has always sung praises about how beautiful that school is .Without the support of the principal, teachers, my coaches, my fellow team members, I would be an ordinary player.”

Apart from mentioning his school, Ridge didn’t even took a single second to mention his parent’s role in his development. “My parents always had the faith that I will someday represent my country, they have moulded me, guided me and encouraged me on my journey called Football,” Ridge told.

When asked about his inspirational figure, Ridge smiled and concluded the interview by saying: “There were three people who inspired me, Messi, Messi & Messi.”

Ridge is just 14, and has his whole life in front of him to conquer his dream. If the same dedication, passion and the love for football stays intact for Ridge, surely in the coming years he would be the one to emerge as India’s next big thing.