Defending champions Don Bosco to open campaign against promoted side St Lawrence
The Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) inter-school football fiesta gets underway today at the Azad Maidan ground. The organisers, MSSA, have confirmed participation from 174 schools in the city.
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The U-16 Div I will be played in the league format as usual. On the opening day, there will be two U-16 matches played — defending champions Don Bosco (Matunga) will open their campaign against promoted side St Lawrence (Kandivli).
Meanwhile, last year’s runners-up side Campion School (Cooperage) will play against St Anne’s (Malad) in the second match of the day.
Unlike the District Sports Office (DSO) conducted football matches, where players were injured and no medical aid was provided to them, MSSA wants to take all precautionary measures regarding first aid.
MSSA football secretary Anslem Alphonso said, “To ensure smooth running of the tournament, we have bought two new stretchers in case of any casualty. Also, a physiotherapist will be there on the ground for all the matches.
Apart from that, ice, a well-equipped first-aid box will be kept near the referee’s table. We hope that we do not get any complaints regarding player’s safety.”
Alphonso is also hopeful that it doesn’t rain. “I am just praying that rains do not play spoilt sport on the first day of a new season. We have made all the necessary arrangements and just waiting for the season to start on a positive note.”u00a0