Over 200 girls participate in Mumbai football campaign

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Sunday launched a new initiative "FIFA Live Your Goal" where more than 200 young girls participated in footballing activities through grassroots festivities at the Cooperage Ground here.

AIFF technical director Scott O'Donell said the programme was mainly aimed at popularising women's football in India and growing interest among the younger generation.

O'Donell stressed the fact that the city saw the first launch of such a unique venture and more such programmes will be conducted throughout the country in days to come.

The AIFF has already lined up seven more festivals with the next to be organised in November in New Delhi.

"FIFA has come up with this initiative to popularise the women football in India and grow interest among the young generations. More than 200 young girls participated in the programme and we expect to attract more in upcoming days," O'Donell said at a press conference here.

"Mumbai saw the launch of this. Gradually more cities in India will see this happening. It will take place in New Delhi later in the year in November," he said.

The AIFF technical director said the main motive was to have fun and make the young girls know about the grassroots level of football, adding that the parents also came up with positive response.

Henry Menezes, CEO of Western India Football Association (WIFA), said the campaign has given girls a chance to come, play and understand the game of football.

"Going ahead, we are going to propose a grassroots League for both women's and men. We have chalked out a detailed roadmap for Maharashtra with AIFF's help and this has been one of the many steps taken in a positive direction," Menezes said.