THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Roots Football celebrates AFC Grassroots Day with a social message

Roots Football celebrates AFC Grassroots Day with a social message (Photo courtesy: Game on Sports)

Roots Football School, a two-star academy accredited by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), celebrated the AFC Grassroots Day in Bangalore on May 13 and 14 through various activities which included a women’s tournament, festival and fun activities. Over 160 participants from different localities, NGO’s, schools and colleges which included children (6-12 years), youth (13-19 years), amateurs (20+ yrs) and veterans (40+ yrs) took part in the celebrations spread over two days and multiple grounds.

The women’s tournament played in a league format with five teams, saw BBFC Reds from Austin Town edging out the girls from Kendriya Vidyalaya – NAL over a better goal difference for the top spot, after both teams finished their league matches with 3 wins and a draw each. Maria and Kritika (BBFC) were adjudged the best player and goalkeeper respectively while, Sree Lakshmi of KV NAL was the best defender.

The participants also took part in a RESPECT campaign to instil respect towards opponents, referees, coaches, opponents etc. The celebration also carried a social message of REUSE, REDUCE and RECYCLE to the participants and parents keeping in mind the garbage situation in Bangalore. Children were also explained the health benefits of drinking water to rehydrate themselves.

AFC has redefined Grassroots Football as: All Football which is Non-Professional / non-Elite is part of Grassroots Football. Which means now children’s football, school, football, Futsal, Beach football, Women’s Football, Veterans Football, Community Football, Amateur Football, Disability Football, etc all comes under Grassroots Football.

(Roots Football)