The 7th edition of the Queens Park Rangers South Mumbai Junior Soccer Challenger (QPR SMJSC) kicked off on Saturday, 17th October, at the Western Railway Stadium in Parel. Brainchild of former Union Minister, Milind Deora, the Soccer Challenger that started in 2009 has grown extensively in the last few years. The entire programme was started to unearth football talent at a grassroots level, and give those who come from less privileged backgrounds a chance to play sport.
Among one of India’s largest and longest-running community football events…
…the Challenger today is looking at participation from over 6000 boys and girls representing over 130 schools. All private, government-aided, and municipal schools in South Mumbai are eligible to participate, with 85% of players coming from the latter two categories of schools. This ensures children from diverse backgrounds are given an equal playing field, where they can showcase their talent and skills. There are over 700 teams participating in the 5 age categories – Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, and Under 16, and more than 900 matches will be played over three weekends till December. Conducted by Saran Sports in association with the English Premier League Club, Queens Park Rangers (QPR), the Challenger has been designed to give talented youngsters a chance to realise their full potential and achieve their goals.
Salman Khan at the 5th QPR SMJSC
Image Credit: Milind Deora Website
“Football is a growing passion amongst today’s youth. By organising such championships I hope to provide a platform for the youth to exhibit their football skills. I hope to provide football enthusiasts with the necessary infrastructure and help the coaches identify talent. I am sure that with a cohesive effort, we will be able to popularise and develop the sport in India.” – Milind Deora, Ex Member of Parliament, Ex Union Minister
The Challenger, apart from being a competitive league for children to play football, also serves as a hunting ground for talented youth. Based on their performance in the tournament, a number of young players are shortlisted to join a Coaching Clinic that is conducted by the QPR Youth Academy Coaches in Mumbai in December. Chris Ramsey, Head Coach of QPR, will then handpick two or three students from the Coaching Clinic, and give them a chance to undergo intensive training at the QPR Youth Training Programme in London in April.
Milind Deora with the Winners of the 2014 QPR SMJSC
Image Credit: Sports Keeda
“We have been associated with the South Mumbai Junior Soccer Championship since its inception in 2009. The participants have been increasing and we have witnessed some astounding talent. Even though this championship aims at bringing only the South Mumbai community together, I am sure we can contribute to developing the young Indian talent that is clearly evident here in South Mumbai. ” – Andy Evans, CEO, QPR Community Trust
Over the last 7 years, the QPR SMJSC has grown from a 2-day event, to a 3-weekend event, and has seen stars like Salman Khan and John Abraham attending. The love that youth in South Mumbai have for football is evident, and the league gives these football-loving youngsters a chance to develop their talent further. With the league growing from strength to strength, we can’t wait to see how well the kids do this year, and who will be lucky enough to train at the London QPR Youth Programme!
To stay up to date on the matches at the QPR SMJSC visit their Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter @QPR_SMJSC
October 7, 2016 at 9:11 pm
When it will start i also want to come from my new team