While the clouds were set for a heavy downpour, teenagers from under-privileged families of Mumbai competed in the second edition of ‘Golden Touch’ Football Tournament. Eight teams from various non-profit organisations where boys under the age of 16 took part in the 9-a side tournament, which was held at Cooperage on Sunday. It was not MDFA or WIFA, who organised this tournament but a 17-year-old who made sure everything was in place. Rohin Modi who lives in Worli played his part as the host from the touchlines.
Always fascinated by the game of football, Rohin has been a part of city’s interschool tournaments since he was 5. He represented Premier India Football Academy (PIFA) in the U-15 I-League as they practiced in common playgrounds of Colaba. Modi recalls that was when he saw the underprivileged kids not having proper boots and accessories to play. “When I played in school, I never knew that these kids even played football. After I was selected for PIFA’s team and when we practiced in public grounds, I noticed that many kids were just playing barefoot without knowing the rules and regulations of the game,” recalls Modi.
Currently studying at Charterhouse in London, Rohin suggests that he will continue such initiatives so as to create awareness among the youth. He explains, “I have seen them play and their style of play is better than many people I have played with. They come from humble backgrounds and do not realise that there is scope for them in football. If they are given proper training, I can see a few of them playing in bigger leagues.”
The purpose of the tournament was to bring children from similar backgrounds together through sport and have them play and compete with each other on world-class facilities — something they would not have access to otherwise. A coach was assigned to each team to help with team strategy, formation and guidance.
The best defender, goalkeeper, striker and midfielder will be awarded scholarships for their education post their 10th grade.
“Our team is overwhelmed after playing at such a fine facility. We are glad to be invited to play here. No one has taken such initiatives like this for us before,” said a participant.
Results: Jeet Foundation and Underdogs advanced to the finals of the second edition of ‘Golden Touch’ football Tournament (boys’ under-16 years) for NGO teams, and played at the Cooperage football ground.
In the first semi-final, Jeet Foundation proved too strong for Leher Foundation as they romped to a 3-0 victory. Strikers Mohd. Kaif Shaikh, Govind Rathod and Sitaram Rathod were all bang on target with a goal each in Jeet Foundation’s win.
In the other semi-final, Underdogs also enjoyed a good outing as they defeated Worli Seaface by a 3-1 margin. The goals for Underdogs were scored by Nikhil Sakariya, Kartik Chauhan and Mehul Solanki, while Worli Seaface got their lone goal through Aftab Ansari.
Scores:
Jeet Foundation 3 (Mohd. Kaif Shaikh, Govind Rathod, Sitaram Rathod) beat Leher Foundation 0.
Underdogs 3 (Nikhil Sakariya, Kartik Chauhan, Mehul Solanki) beat Worli Seaface 1 (Aftab Ansari).
