As the inter-school football tournament kicks off tomorrow, the Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) finds itself without a sponsor.
Colgate-Palmolive, who sponsored the association for six years, have ended their second three-year contract.
According to Colgate, the renewal could not take place due to new commitments.
We were associated with MSSA for six years and were happy with the way tournaments were conducted. Our involvement was a part of the corporate social responsibility program in which Colgate-Palmolive partners NGOs for the upliftment of society, said a spokesperson.
It is learnt that the Colgate sponsorship was to the tune of Rs 15 lakh per year. We have now decided to join hands with Pratham an organisation which educates under-privileged children.
This does not mean that we are no more with MSSA. The top three teams from each group will continue to receive gift hampers after the tournament, the spokesperson said.
MSSA president Alex Vaz stressed that the start of the season will not be affected. We have a reserve fund to conduct the football tournament and a couple of other disciplines, said Vaz.
But, this does not mean we are not in need of a sponsor. We have given the task of finding a new sponsor to Sports One Consulting Pvt Ltd and are in negotiations with two prospective companies, added Vaz. After effects... The increase in the number of teams in inter-school sports means higher costs. MSSA uses its own ground at Azad Maidan to the fullest with almost seven football matches in a day.
Other grounds have to be used for which there are maintenance costs.
In order to supervise inter-school football matches better, the MSSA has decided to have three officials for every match in the under-16 age group.
Each official earns Rs 70 per match. This was possible due to sponsorship money.
With almost 700 inter-school football matches held every year, MSSA will undoubtedly feel the pinch.
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