First phase of Stairs School Football League, Gujarat (North Zone) concludes

The Stairs School Football League (SSFL), Gujarat (North Zone), concluded with much fanfare as Anand Niketan School team lifted the coveted gold trophy beating Eklavya School that contented itself with the silver trophy. The St. Xaviers' School were the second runners-up. The individual promising players at the tournament received the much sought after SSFL golden boots and golden boot & ball trophies.

SSFL Gujarat (North Zone) engaged about 1200 footballers from 64 schools from the north zone and created an engagement opportunities for over 100 sports professionals from the zone. The league witnessed about 88 matches being played under the FIFA format. The idea of the under 14 league is to spot the talented players who can be trained and mentored to qualify for the Indian team that shall compete in the FIFA Under 17 World Cup that comes to India next year.

The dignitaries at the awards ceremony included Mr. Sandip Pradhan, Director General, Sports Authority of Gujarat as a chief guest while Mr. Gopal Kag, Head Coach, Football Development Program, Sports Authority of Gujarat was the special guest. The other guests of honour included Mr. Tarun Roy, Chief Coach, Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG) and Mr. Gulab Chauhan, General Secretary, Football Association of Gujarat.
"This is a commendable programme and much needed for the development of grassroots football in the country. I appreciate efforts of Team STAIRS for bringing SSFL to Gujarat and providing a great platform to showcase their talent. The shall give a great boost to the efforts of sports authorities' efforts to create opportunities for budding and promising footballers," said Mr. Sandip Pradhan while witnessing the final matches being played at CASA Ground in Ahmedabad.