8 NGO teams to participate in Golden Touch football today

Young enthusiastic teenagers from eight sports oriented non-profit organization teams from across Mumbai will be competitively contesting to emerge champions of the second edition of ‘Golden Touch’ football Tournament for boys’ under-16 years, which will be played at the Cooperage football ground on Sunday, August 27.

Prior to the football action, a clinic will be held in the morning with licensed coaches conducting a session with all the children.

The ‘Golden Touch’ tournament is an initiative of 16year-old Rohin Modi, a passionate soccer player studying at Charterhouse, UK. Rohin, had started playing the sport participating in the inter-school events in Mumbai since the age of five.

“I firmly believe in the empowering of children. The best way forward is through sport and education and that would help them pursue a better future,” said Rohin.

The purpose of the tournament is to bring children from similar backgrounds together through sport and have them play and compete with each other on world class facilities - something they would not have access to otherwise.

There are 8 NGO teams participating in a 9-a-side format. A coach will be assigned to each team to help with team strategy, formation and guidance.

The best defender, goalkeeper, striker and midfielder will be awarded scholarships for their education post their 10th grade.

Through this exercise, Golden Touch hopes to contribute towards the growth of the sport and the allround development of these young footballers, by helping them gain more knowledge about the game, enhance their tactics, fitness, ability, adaptability and experience.

This will inculcate sportsmanship values amongst the children. The event also provides a platform where the children can showcase their talent, skills and compete with better playing facilities and it inspires an affinity toward football.