MUMBAI, June 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
~ More than 600 people gathered at the IBFC Grassroots Festival
~ 200 kids participated at the IBFC Grassroots Festival
~ Shaheed Bhagat Singh Maidan sees many football enthusiasts come for the IBFC Grassroots Festival
On 29th of May 2018, the Iron Born Football Club organized its first-ever Grassroots Festival at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Maidan, at Abhyudaya Nagar, Parel, Mumbai. Over 600 people visited the venue in the evening, of which there were more than 200 children. The festival had been organized especially to encourage more people and in particular children to take an interest in football. Such festivals assume greater significance in light of the fact that Indian football is still considered to be at the developmental or fledgling state.
(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/699632/Iron_Born_Football_Club.jpg )
(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/699633/Iron_Born_FC_Grassroots_Festival.jpg )
(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/699634/IBFC_Grassroots_Festival.jpg )
As there was a huge turnout of children, the festival was organized in two phases or batches; the first one was from 4.30 - 5.30 pm and the second one from 6 - 7 pm. The football field was divided into 5 grids and children, both boys and girls, in groups of 14- 20 participated in fun games and technical games in each grid. They played as per their age groups: 6 - 8, 9 - 11, 12 - 14 and 15 - 18. Coaches Aqeel Ansari and Akhil Kothari put the kids through tier paces. The most promising and best players were given prizes. All participants were given T-shirts and refreshments.
Mr. Floyd Pinto, Assistant Coach for the Under 19 Indian Football Team, who was also present at the event, said, "Football provides all round development and needs to be given due prominence. Events like this one organized by the IBFC create more awareness not only in children but also parents about how sport is essential for physical fitness and also character building and mental strength. It's also about bringing the community together through football. It has been a wonderful experience being a part of the IBFC Grassroots Festival and especially seeing the huge turnout of kids who are so interested in the game."
Those children who were waiting their turn enjoyed the carnival atmosphere and took part in the several activities that had been planned for their entertainment, including a face painting competition and a freestyler who amazed everyone with his tricks. There were also games to be played and spot prizes to be won like water bottles and footballs. A photo booth had been set up where visitors could pose with posters of Ronaldo and Messi. It was heartening to see parents and even grandparents enjoying the carnival and participating with as much enthusiasm as the kids.
According to Mrs. Suzanne Chowdhry, CEO and Owner of IBFC , "The Grassroots Festival is one of the ways in which the IBFC aspires to motivate more children take a keen interest in the sport of football. We at the IBFC believe in training our team players to display the spirit of sportsmanship both on and off the field. This was ably displayed when our club members volunteered at the festival and were role models for the young kids who attended the festival; this truly is off the field training. At the festival, our coaches have spotted some promising talent whom we would approach for training and become a part of the IBFC. In our crowded cities and electronic media dominated lives, children need the opportunity to play sports like football and enjoy their childhood."
About Iron Born Football Club (IBFC)
Iron Born Football Club is an initiative by Mrs. Suzanne Chowdhry, who herself is a National Level sports person (Basketball), which provides training to children in the under 8 and under 16 categories.
The IBFC is a community initiative to provide a career pathway to young boys and girls, irrespective of their background. The children are coached to be not just young footballers but fine young children who will represent Iron Born Football Club in the right way, on and off-the-field. Training involves coaching, fitness - both physical and mental and nutrition consultation.
Iron Born FC is a registered member of the MDFA (Mumbai District Football Association). The club has sought Accreditation and Affiliation with the AIFF (All India Football Association) and our primary objective to popularize the game for children from all walks of life.
We have built our club on sound business principle, and the Academy and development of young players is part of that business plan. We have a philosophy that drives the development of young players because we want a team with young, home-grown players. Iron Born Football Club is proven in its success at turning young potential into excellence. Over the last two years, this pathway has produced the likes of Rony Chowdhry (vice-captain 2016), Shane Aranha, Nathan Murzello, Athar Ansari, Vansh Kale, and Rishab Singh (vice-captain 2017) who have represented the Maharashtra state team.
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