Mumbai's 'Dermalogica Football League'

Lost in the 2011 Cricket World Cup fever very few know that Mumbai is currently witnessing one of its rare privately organised leagues. It is called the 'Dermalogica Football League' organised by an NGO called 'For the Better of the Game' (FBG) which works towards promoting football at the grassroot level.

10 teams mainly made up of youngsters participated in this fund-raising event at Priyadarshini Park, Mumbai. Unlike most of the knockout tournaments that are played in Mumbai, this was played under a league format. The main reason that a league format was chosen was to give the young upcoming teams more matches, more experience and a chance to experiment amongst their squad. This would give the ten teams enough of match practice and pre-season preparation for the upcoming Mumbai District FA season which starts in June.

The teams were selected on the basis of giving proper experience to the young players. Keeping this in mind, the organisers picked six local academies and encouraged them to register their Under-19 players. The four other teams were had a little more experience as they were of an average age of 23.

The 'Dermalogica Football League' now has reached its final stage. With only two rounds of matches left, the teams are trying their best to finish as high on the table as they can.

The last day of the league will also see the Freestyle Football '11 Final. 20 players would qualify from various colleges for the finals and the top two will take away gift-vouchers and prizes.

A Sunday afternoon at the Priyadarshini Park would definitely get you closer to local football and also enjoy the beautiful facility adjacent the Arabian Sea.

This FBG initiative is something to support!