With an aim to aid development of budding footballers, the tournament provides a platform for athletes to compete against some of the finest in the country in the same age group, while also presenting the perfect environment for scouting precocious talent. This is the second year of the tournament’s hosting, having been inaugurated last year.
The Nike Premier Cup, as it’s called, is held in association with the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) and the tournament will be held in two stages this season - in Mumbai and Goa.
Divided into four groups, the tournament will see matches from one cluster of teams staged in the Konkan state from 30th January to 5th February. The group matches in Mumbai will be held from 31st January to 6th February, with the semi-finals scheduled for Mumbai as well, while the ifnals will take place on 8th February.
In the latest round of matches, the Mariners’ and Bengaluru’s Ozone FC’s Colts registered plum victories, the latter against India Youth Soccer Association, New Delhi.
Elsewhere, in Mumbai, Minerva Punjab’s U16s managed a whooping 8-0 win against Kenkre FC. The victory comes at a time when the Punjab-based team’s senior squad flounder in the I-League, managing no wins in six matches played this season. The famous Tata Football Academy (TFA) too won against Royal Wahingdoh.
GOA
MUMBAI
