Following the success of inaugural AIFF Regional Academy Football Festival last week, 80 children and 25 officials participated in the 2nd Edition held at the Fr. Agnel’s Sports Complex in Vashi, Navi Mumbai.

Despite the proceedings being dampened by heavy downpour prior to kick-off, the children accompanied by their eager parents turned out in large numbers while the festival officials worked overtime to make the event a success.

The children, aged six to eight, were divided into ten teams of eight – five players plus three substitutes – and made to play a series of Round-Robin matches against each other while also participating in various fun-based activities to improve their technical ability.

Meanwhile, it was the first time that the AIFF Regional Academy boys were involved in the programme, with an aim of giving them an introductory perspective on Football Management and Team Coaching.

The primary focus of these weekly festivals is to introduce newcomers into football at a young age, create a safe environment for them to play in and most importantly ensure that the children enjoy themselves.

“For the past year the AIFF Regional Academy, Navi Mumbai has been the home of the best talent in the Under-Sixteen age group across India and we felt that it was time that we focused on the local community as well,” AIFF Academy Manager Shailesh Karkera who supervises the festival project alongside Assistant Manager Rohit Thorat.

The next Grassroots Festival is scheduled for Saturday, August (17, 2013) at 7.00 am.

(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)