Participation of ‘Under-15 girls’ in sports is an excellent initiative of Reliance Foundation
CHENNAI: Former India international Gourmangi Singh lauded tournaments like Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) for giving equal opportunities and platform to youngsters across India to advance in their careers after the conclusion of the championship in Goa. The 37-year-old Gouramangi is the assistant coach of FC Goa and said such competitions help football penetrate deeper into the society.
“In my opinion – the important thing that a league like RFYS is giving to the youth in the country is a platform, backed by an organization that is committed to providing equal opportunities to all. The platform shows you a direction that inspires you to believe and dream that one day you can be a part of these leagues because it is happening in your locality, schools and colleges,” Gouramangi said.
He appreciated RFYS for introducing U-15 girls age group from 2023-24 season. Although a laudable move, Gourmangi noted that involving women in football from an early age should now become the norm. Referring to RFYS starting its Kashmir chapter from this season, he said taking the game pan India will help in making it more popular.
“Inclusion of under-15 girls age group is a necessary step and should be encouraged going forward. This is an excellent initiative by the Reliance Foundation and I hope we can see more girls coming into the football ecosystem. Girls across the country should be able to play the game they, and all of us, love,” she said.
Gouramangi said, “The launch of RFYS chapter in Kashmir ensures that the tournament reaches every corner of the country. To take the game forward, it is important to have such well-organized tournaments in every part of the country and I appreciate Reliance for taking such a step.
During the RFYS Championship in Goa, King’s School and Rosary Higher Secondary School, Navelim emerged victorious as their Under-15 and Under-19 girls teams respectively registered resounding wins to complete their performances in the tournament.
In the final league game of RFYS Under-15 Girls, King’s School defeated St. Anne’s Institute, Agonda 9-0, while Rosary Higher Secondary School, Navelim defeated Sri Shantadurga Higher Secondary, Bicholim 15-0 in the final match. Under-19 Girls age group on Wednesday 6th December.
Perpetual Succor Convent High School, Navelim won the Under-15 boys tournament by defeating Progress High School 2-1, while in the Under-17 boys age group, Bethany Convent High School had an impressive victory over Fr. Angel High School, Pilar by a margin of 6-0 in the final league game. Vasantrao Dempo Higher Secondary School was the team that won the trophy by defeating Rosary Higher Secondary School, Navelim 4-1 in the Boys Under-19 final.
