In the past few years a lot of players have come out of the TDFA ranks and have been selected in the super division as well as in the national team. What has been the catalyst to this success in your DA?
In my 15 years of service we'd witnessed a lot of ups and downs while working for local football both at state as well as district level. Successful talent spotting has really come up in the past few years, especially since 2011. A lot of great talent has come up since. Special credit goes to our former president Mr Rashid Khan, Assistant Vice President Alphonso Santiago and Vice President Parvez Ziuaddin who really worked hard for the development of district level football.
One special talent was Amay Ranawde who personally spotted from Falgad DFA . The lad went on to play for India under -14 and eventually captained India under under 16.
As we all know Navi Mumbai is one of the venue's for Under – 17 Fifa World cup, how is TDFA involved in it?
Yes we are in many ways involved in it. Thane District Football Association as well Falgad DFA is working together to give their resources in making this event a success . This will eventually highlight Maharashtra in the Indian football map. People who work for Indian football at this part of the nation come from different DFA's and are working together to make this event a success.
How is TDFA involved grassroots program for talent searching and the future?
We are helping in different ways to achieve successful talent searching at under-17 level. For the first we will be hosting talent hunting tournaments. We have about 7 D license coaches and 15 grassroots leaders. Since 2011 there has been progression in talent hunting as you already know and as per the future, we are planning to continue our grassroots program. Clubs now want to climb up to 2nd division and eventually play in the super division. This clearly shows the aspiring attitude of the clubs around here. Zonal tournaments and Mayor Cup in every taluka is helping football become the main sport for the youth.
What was the most proud moment for the TDFA that you can brag about?
In 2010 TDFA u-19 reached the semi final of Inter district football tournament and Thane was to play MDFA in the finals. We were 1-0 down at the 77th min. and scored the equalizer at the dying minutes of the game. We eventually went on to win the final. This was one of the most proudest achievements for us and one of the most intense moment of them all. Stills gives me goosebumps when I talk about.
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