After launching the rebel Indian Cricket League, the Essel Group on Thursday unveiled the Mumbai Football Club. The community-based Mumbai FC, has been set up with an initial investment of $1 million (around Rs four crore), it was announced by Essel’s Managing Director Amit Goenka at a media conference.
Amit Goenka, Managing Director of Essel Group said,
“As a responsible corporate house, we always wondered about the depth to which the standard of football has fallen during the past many years. We believe the standards of any sporting event can improve only when the corporate houses take active interest in developing the game at the grass root level. We therefore propose to launch a community-based Football Club in Mumbai to give every football loving citizen an opportunity to participate in the development of football culture in the city.”
The team will play local tournaments and the NFL Division Two, which will begin in December. The primary aim of the club is to gain entry into NFL in a year’s time.
The Engishman David Booth, an experienced international coach, has been roped in as chief coach for a three-year tenure. He had been the National coach of Myanmar and Brunei. He has also worked in the UK, Ghana, Vietnam, Thailand and Maldives. He is also a qualified AFC instructor and has enjoyed prolonged stints with leading clubs.
The former Indian goalkeeper and ex- Mahindra United manager, Henry Menezes, has been appointed as the General Manager of the Club.
Known for his uncanny ability to attract players from rival clubs, Henry Menzes said,
“India lacks community-based teams that people can relate to. The launch of Mumbai FC will be a platform for the football community in Mumbai, soon becoming a powerhouse for football in the country. This is going to be a great challenge to the entire team behind Mumbai FC and we are committed and confident of living up to the expectations.”
| Profile of Mumbai Footbal Club Team 2007-08 | |
| Home Stadium | Cooperage Football Ground |
| General Manager | Henry Menezes |
| Coach | David Booth |
| Goalkeepers | Kalyan Chaubey, Dipankar Chaudhary, Amit Singha Roay |
| Strikers | Jerome Sebastine, Abhishek Yadav |
| Midfielders | Noel Wilson, Khalid Jamil, Jagdish Pappaih, Bengkok Nameirakpam, Bira Oraw, L Romenjit Singh, Darren Pereira, Ujjalkumar Ghosh, Asim K, Rahul Roy, Rajib Shukla |
| Defenders | Libu C Philip, John Benedick, Jatinder Singh, Balpreet Singh, Shameer A J, Ganesh Rao, Lolendro Singh, Dane Pereira |
They have also launched a website mumbaifc.com to connect the Mumbai’s football community. The website is already up for registrations and will be developed accordingly.
AM AN AFRICAN SOCCER PLAYER ,PLEASE SEND ME MUMBAI FC CONTACT MUMBERS.
I am playing football on national level from cbse. i have to join club. please reply me.
i want mumbai fc contaact no.
My son is crazy about football. How does he join your club?
i whant to play football. i want to show my art
i am full of skills and tech
i have all the skills that a playmaker should have.
I would like to play for mumbai fc for entire life.
I am 19 years of age.
It a verx gud idea to play for mumbai-fC
IAM PLAYING FOR TEAM IN THANE DIST. WANNA PLAY FOR
MUMBAI F.C SO HWS THE PROCEDURE
Respected Sir,
I am the football player of Gulbarga, Karnataka. Now i m working in Mumbai. I want 2 join a football team tp be in touch with me game and to participate in all level football sports.
I requested you to kindly send me the details by my mail ID. How to join, Address of your office and other details.
I am waiting for your prompt & positive reply.
Vishal Sutrawe
9619010247
Respected sir,
I mrityunjay pandey state that i am a football player and also playing football skillfully.
And also by inspiring by the E.P.L. football player I have also decided to become a proffessional football player for your Football club as well as for the my country which is lagging behind in football. So It will be a pleasure and great oppurtunity to play in your MUMBAI F.C.So I request u sir please send me The Detail by my E-mail I.D of your official address and contact no. my cont no.is 9987116946.
respected sir ,
i just wanted 2 knw that when is ur selection are held on wich groung just reply me
thankuful
tushar