WIFA inaugurates Renovated Cooperage Ground

WIFA inaugurates Renovated Cooperage Ground

Location: Mumbai, Colaba

December 3rd 2014 will be marked in Indian football history as the official date of Inauguration of the renovated Cooperage ground. The ground was inaugurated in the presence of notified dignitaries including Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the current President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the AIFF president, Mr. Praful Patel and Mrs. Nita Ambani, founding chairperson of Football Sports Development, were the Chief Guests at the event. The ground has been renovated and developed under the guidance of FIFA.

The event started with the traditional lighting of the lamp. The unveiling of the cornerstone was carried out by Mr. Patel and the honorary chief guests. Mr. Henry Menzes, the CEO of WIFA then notified the history of the ground which is over a 100 years old, mentioning noteworthy players like Mr. S. S. Narayan (represented India in 1956 and 1960 Olympics as a goalkeeper) who developed as footballers on this ground.

Mr. Praful Patel emphasized the importance of using the ground effectively to help nurture budding talent. He encouraged the public and media to support the utilization of the ground effectively for football development.

Mrs. Nita Ambani supported the development of grassroots football and spoke about the ISL creating a huge impact in its first year. She pointed towards the potential of Indian football and it's ability to get to the top of the Football pyramid.

The show concluded by honoring the committee members of all the Indian national players, District Football Associations and the FIFA licensed referees present at the event. The development of infrastructure and promotion of football will now provide the initial thrust required for growth of football in the country. With the focus on grassroots and development of a strong base for the game, India can now dream of once again achieving its glory days of the fifties.

The Football Mind's presence was felt All throughout the event by the audience through a number of visual displays put up on the ground marking the official association of The Football Mind with WIFA and Indian football.