Soccer summer camp organized by Atletico Youth Football Academy

Atletico Youth Football Academy (AYFA) is organizing a summer camp for the boys and girls, college students, and corporate employees from April 5, 2010 to May 29 , 2010.

Venue:

Green Country Public School, Next to Columbia Asia Hospital, Hebbal main road, Amruthahalli, Hebbal, Bangalore - 560092

Timing:

Morning batch - 7 am to 9 am

Evening batch: 4.30 to 6.30

Contact:

Mr. Nickson - 9449433355

Mr. Simha Rabi - 9535508257

I-League 2nd Division Group A Qualifiers Points Table

 

• Thursday, April 15, 2010: The city teams couldn’t click when it matter the most. In the first match (remaining 36 minutes) HAL lost to SBT 3-2. In the last match of the qualifier, BEML pulled back the 2-goal deficit against leader Malabar United. However, they will consider themselves unlucky as they ruled out to HAL in goal difference. HAL, BEML, and SBT all have 9 points, but HAL qualifies for the next round due to a better goal difference – 7, 4, and 3 respectively.
• Wednesday, April 14, 2010: The all-important 2nd match between SBT and HAL was abandoned due to bad light and persistent rain. The match was played for 54th minute, when SBT was leading by a 19th minute goal by Md. Harris. The remaining portion of the match will be played tomorrow at 2 pm. In another inconsequential match played today, Titanium beat Chandni FC 2-1.
• Monday, April 12, 2010:  Ohh, what a cracker of a qualifier Group A is coming out and it’s all going to the wire! Malabar United has played their part and they seem to be a bright contender to qualify for the final round. SBT might just miss the bus. Now comes our city teams, HAL is still unbeaten, however, a mere draw won’t do any good; BEML would get past HAL should they win the last match.
  Net-net, to see both the city teams playing in the I-League 2nd division final round, they must win!
  Mark you calendars for the following matches
   - HAL versus SBT, Wednesday, April 14, 4 pm
   - BEML versus Malabar United, Thursday, April 15, 4 pm
• Sunday, April 11, 2010:  HAL leads the points table after registering a very important win and BEML must be feeling the heat after blowing the opportunity to collect 3 points today. The table would definitely topple after tomorrow’s all-important match between the 3rd and 4th placed team – Malabar United versus SBT.
  
•  Friday, April 09, 2010:  SBT gets into the fray after their 4-0 win over Titanium. After 4 rounds, the competition is hotting up among the top 4 teams. With only 2 rounds of game left, the fight is between Malabar United, BEML, SBT, and HAL. Faring well in the next round matches is crucial for these teams.
  
• Thursday, April 08, 2010: SBT and Titanium faces the stiff challenge of garnering at least 6 points from their next 3 games to qualify for the final round. It's virtually end of road for the Golden Threads and Chandni, with only a match left for both the teams, they are at 5 points each. After round 4, Malabar FC leads the pack with 8 points. BEML is standing next, thanks to their resurgence in the couple of games. HAL takes the 3rd spot with 6 points after their poor performance in last 3 games.
  
• Tuesday, April 06, 2010: HAL still leads the points table after 4 rounds. All the teams are in a position to make it to the final leg. Next round matches are significant for all the teams.

BEML waste points, Malabar bag full points

City team BEML could not hold their lead, squandered many chances, and ended in a 2-2 draw against Golden Threads. In the other match of day, Malabar United came back from a one-goal deficit, and defeated Titanium 2-1.

The earth movers took lead in the 4th minute of the match. Striker Hamza broke the sleepy Golden Threads defense and passed the ball his partner RC Prakash. RC made no mistake in placing the ball to the side net from a close range.

Few minutes later, left-out Tiken Singh snatched the ball from a Threads defender and took a powerful shot at the goal, unfortunately the ball hit the left post.

Golden Threads made some quick attacks after conceding the goal and challenged BEML’s defense. BEML defense lacked coordination and looked shaky. This was the time Golden Threads came back to the game. Sanjay Vennara took a stunning header from Abhijit K’s cross from the right flank and scored the equalizer.

Second-half started in a lackluster fashion with ball traveling from one end to another end rather hopelessly. In 56th minute, Don Bosco’s innocuous-looking shot from the top of the penalty box found the second goal for the earth movers.

It was wily Sanjay Vennara again who leveled the score in the 74th minute of the match.

Later in the secone half, BEML strikers failed to score from few easy chances, and denied full points to the team.

With a draw and a loss, BEML’s chance to qualify for the final round looks bleak Golden Threads seats pretty at the top of the points table with 4 points from 2 games.

Result:

• Malabar United 2 (Shamjith-60' and Loveday-84') Vs Titanium 1 (Prasanth Simon-42')
• BEML 2 (RC Prakash 4' and Don Bosco 56') Vs Golden Threads 2 (Sanjay Vennara-14' and 74')

Wednesdays match:

• HAL versus Chandni FC, 4.15 pm

Former footballer Anbalagan dies

Former state and Karnataka State Police (KSP) player Anbalagan died on Sunday, March 28. Anbalagan was 40-years old and popularly known as Papai.

Per his family source, Anbalagan complained of some dizziness, he was taken to St. Philomena's Hospital, close to the Bangalore Football Stadium, and expired on the way to the hospital. He left his wife, Dhana kumari and three school going children of 11, 12, and 16 years age.

Anbalagan represented Karnataka in the U-19 National at Shillong in 1989. Also, Anbalagan played for KSP till 1999. He was a part of the South Zone team for All India Police Games played in Hyderabad in 1995.

Anbalagan was a key member of the C division Dowlath Khan Trophy winning team in 1995. He was instrumental in KSP’s promotion from B division to A division in BDFA league in the year 1996. he played in Right Back/Stopper position and was considered to be the backbone of his team.

Anbalagan’s body was taken to the burial ground near Shanthinagar and the burial service took place at 3 pm.

BDFA and KSFA have condoled the untimely death of Anbalagan.

HAL starts I-league campaign with a bang

Former I-league 1st division team and city giant HAL defeated another city team, BEML in a big margin in their first match of the I-League 2nd Division Group A qualifiers.

What touted as a Bangalore derby, turned to be a mere one sided affair with the ball getting past BEML’s goal 3 times in the match. The match started in a brisk note with BEML raiding the opponent’s defense couple of times. A quick counter attack in the 10th minute of the game saw the first goal of match – a curling center from the right-out Satish Kumar Jr. and Rajendra Prasad jumped and headed the ball to the goal in perfection.

Both the team was playing their best entertaining football during this time of the match – fast and one-touch game, quick attack with many short passes.

4-minutes after the first goal, striker Fredrick Okwagbe broke an off-side trap laid by BEML and passed the ball to Xavier with the goal written on it. However, keeper Rajan tripped Xavier at the top of the penalty box. Referee Amjad Khan made no mistake to award a penalty to HAL. J Murali placed the ball to the right side of the net and gave 2-0 lead to his team.

3rd goal came from smart Satish Kumar Jr. and the culprit in this occasion was BEML’s keeper Rajan. The goalie came forward and was standing near the penalty box, leaving a wide gap between the goal. Satish Kumar Jr. wisely scooped the ball in perfection and Rajan’s attempt to save the goal was too late.

The mid-field gelled well for HAL, the combination of J Murali, Xavier, and Fredrick in the upfront worked fine for them. Tireless sipper Xavier Vijay Kumar did what he does best as the fulcrum of the team.

BEML mid-field led by Mahendra Mani gave some nice long ranger passes. However, BEML lacked sting in their attack, their foreign striker was totally off-color today. Former national player RC Prakash was too slow in reflex and speed, he missed couple of chances to score. In few occasion, HAL keeper Amar Deb came up with some acrobatic saves to keep the opponents at bay.

BEML coach, Dada Peer blamed match-officials for the 2nd goal, “firstly, the assistant referee missed the off-side and then the referee misjudged the foul committed by the goalie; it was not worth a penalty.” He admitted that the 3rd goal was completely goalkeepers fault and his foreign striker’s off-form cost the match for them.

Speaking about the next match against Golden Threads, the coach said, “Golden Threads is a young side; they played very well against SBT and we have a tough match against them.”

Meanwhile captain victorious, Xavier Vijay Kumar sounded happy, “Glad that we won convincingly today, our main aim is to go all-out and win the first 3 matches, we want to ensure our qualification to the next round.”  

BMEL plays their next match on next Tuesday, March 30 at 4.15 pm against Golden Threads. HAL plays next day same time against Chandni F.C.


Result:
 

HAL 3 (Rajendra Prasad-10', J Murali-14' [penalty], and Satish Kumar Jr.-36') Vs BEML 0

Tuesdays match:

• Titanium versus Malabar United, 2.15 pm
• Golden Threads versus BEML, 4.15 pm

Golden Threads upsets SBT

New entrant to the I-League 2nd Division, Golden Threads (from Ernakulam) started their journey in an exciting fashion after defeating SBT 2-1. In the other match, Malabar United, Kochi drew with Chandni F.C, Calicut 1-1.

What was anticipated by the Golden Threads management came true! Today morning while talking to GardenCity Soccer Stars, they predicted that the unknown factor and playing as an underdog would help in their way. That was exactly displayed in the match today.

SBT took the lead in the in the 17th minute of the match. However, their joy was short-lived, foreign recruit Onome leveled the score through a penalty in the 33rd minute.

Second-half started in a positive note for Golden Threads, they were dominating the game. The second goal came from some individual skills from Onome and equally bad defense from SBT. Onome toyed with 4 defenders and passed the ball to unmanned Sanjay Vannara, who kept his head cool and pushed the ball to the left side of the keeper.

Unfortunately in the 60th minute, SBT scorer Rakesh was shown marching order (after 2 yellow cards) and SBT had to play with 10 men for the rest of the match. However, the blow didn’t dampen the spirits of the bankmen, they looked up for scoring opportunities. Twice they came close to scoring; the long ranger shot closely missed the goalpost in few occasions.

SBT has task cut out to qualify for the final round. The former I-League 1st Division team is missing few key players from injury, etc, which would make their cause difficult.

Results:

• Golden Threads 2 (Onome-33' [(Penalty] and Sanjay Vannara-54') beat SBT 1 (Rakesh 7-17')
• Malabar United 1 (Jitesh CK-77' [(Penalty]) Chandni F.C 1 (Zubair KP 78)

Tomorrows match:

• HAL versus BEML, 4.15 pm

All-Kerala Team Meets in Bangalore

Inaugural day of the I-League 2nd Division Group A qualifiers will witness as many as 4 Kerala vying against each other. 

New entrant to the I-League 2nd division, Golden Threads plays the first match against traditional football powerhouse from Kerala, SBT. In the other match of the day, Chandni FC clashes with Malabar United.


SBT coach and former India international player VP Shaji sounded confident about faring well in this tournament. Shaji has been a seasoned campaigner for SBT during his football days, played SBT for 9 seasons and now he is back as a coach.

Earlier SBT made to the I-league Division 1 for few seasons, however, their stay at the top division had been irregular. Last time they played at the top division was on 2004-05 season.

Though both teams SBT and Golden Threads come from the same state, but they haven’t met before. With 7 state players in their side, SBT is ready to take the challenge of Golden Threads.

Coached by veteran Najeeb, Malabar United plays the next match against Chandni FC. Najeeb is just 4-months old in the office. He feels that his team is not bad, he has 2 foreigners from Nigeria in the defense and striker position, and confident enough to fair well in this tournament.
  

Matches on Saturday, March 27

Golden Threads versus SBT, 2.15 pm
Chandni F.C versus Malabar United, 4.15 pm

I-League 2nd Division Group A Qualifiers: Confident BEML

BEML will be playing in the I-League 2nd Division qualifiers for the first time. Talking to Garden City Soccer Stars, BEML coach veteran Dada Peer sounded confident. For few days his team has shifted his base from Kolar to Bangalore and his lads are practicing at the Kanteerava stadium.

BEML started the season with a bang after lifting the Puttaiah Memorial Cup in November last year. They were runners-up in a tournament organized by ONGC in Surat last January. However, they didn’t fare well in the GV Raja tournament at Trivandrum played early February losing both their group league matches to Vasco and Josco FC.

Dada Peer, who earlier coached Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) and Karnataka State Police (KSP) is satisfied with teams built-up. His team boasts of 2 foreigners, one of them is the Nigerian striker Abdulla Hamza, who was the star performer in Puttaiah Memorial Cup.

BEML has taken 2 promising players from DYSS and Vasco on loan. Though being a public sector organization, BEML enjoys the backing of management. With only less than 4 years with the new management, BEML has made some giant strides - from a B Division BDFA team to Super Division and now they are one of the top teams in Bangalore.

On behalf of the Bangalore football loving fraternity, Garden City Soccer Stars wishes best of luck!

I-League 2nd Division Group A Qualifiers: Overview

As the I-League 2nd Division Group A qualifiers gather momentum, Garden City Soccer Stars attended the press conference organized by the KSFA.

Addressing the media, Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) president A.R. Khaleel expressed deep satisfaction in bringing the footballing event to the city. Also, he has referred Bangalore as the host of the 2nd Division final round to the AIFF. Let us all sincerely hope that our Bangalore team qualifies to make the case stronger.

This event will be played on a round-robin basis and kicks-off with the match between Golden Threads and SBT on Saturday, March 27.

Also present it the occasion were the coaches from HAL, M Muralidharan and BEML, Dada Peer.

Practice facility

KSFA has picked up 5 venues for teams practice. The visiting teams can avail the following grounds for their practice session:

• Kanteerava stadium
• HAL ground
• CIL ground
• Nandan ground
• Shantinagar ground (near hockey stadium)

Tickets

Tickets are priced at 10/- for the northern stand, the main stadium area tickets are priced at 30/-, and the VIP tickets are available at 50/-.

I-League 2nd Division Group A qualifiers kicks-off in Bangalore from March 27

Football lovers from the garden city of Bangalore would get a chance to see the best of the footballing action in I-League 2nd Division Group A qualifiers, which kicks-off from March 27.


Bangalore derby next Sunday

Both the Bangalore-based team, HAL and BEML play their first match against each other on next Sunday, March 28.

Talking to GardenCity Soccer Stars, HAL captain, Xavier Vijaykumar exuded confidence. Their recent show on an invitational football tournament has been impressive, where they have beaten Vasco and other I-League 2nd Division teams.

However, the other Bangalore team, BEML has been a thorn in the flesh for HAL in this season. BEML has beaten HAL twice quite convincingly in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup in November last year.

You better mark your calendar for 3.30 pm, March 28.

Group A Fixture

1. Saturday, March 27, 2.15 pm: Golden Threads versus SBT
2. Saturday, March 27, 4.15 pm: Chandni F.C versus Malabar United
3. Sunday, March 28, 4.15 pm: HAL versus BEML
4. Tuesday, March 30, 2.15 pm: Titanium versus Malabar United
5. Tuesday, March 30, 4.15 pm: Golden Threads versus BEML
6. Wednesday, March 31, 4.15 pm: Chandni F.C versus HAL
7. Friday, April 2, 2.15 pm: SBT versus BEML
8. Friday, April 2, 4.15 pm: Titanium versus HAL
9. Saturday, April 3, 4.15 pm: Golden Threads versus Chandni F.C
10. Monday, April 5, 2.15 pm: Malabar United versus HAL
11. Monday, April 5, 4.15 pm: SBT versus Chandni F.C
12. Tuesday, April 6, 4.15 pm: Titanium versus Golden Threads
13. Thursday, April 8, 2.15 pm: BEML versus Chandni F.C
14. Thursday, April 8, 4.15 pm: Malabar United versus Golden Threads
15. Friday, April 9, 4.15 pm: SBT versus Titanium
16. Sunday, April 11, 2.15 pm: HAL versus Golden Threads
17. Sunday, April 11, 4.15 pm: BEML versus Titanium
18. Monday, April 12, 4.15 pm: Malabar United versus SBT
19. Wednesday, April 14, 2.15 pm: Chandni F.C versus Titanium
20. Wednesday, April 14, 4.15 pm: HAL versus SBT
21. Thursday, April 15, 4.15 pm: BEML versus Malabar United

Orissa Routs Out Karnataka in Senior Women’s National Football

Orissa defeated Karnataka hands down in the 18th Senior Women’s National Football Championship at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal, Manipur on Thursday, March 11.

Orissa got the better of the state eves with a tennis-like score 6-1. With this result, Karnataka crash out of this competition.

The top team from each cluster qualifies for the quarterfinal stage. Karnataka has won one and lost one. Last years 2nd best team, Orissa winning both their games makes to the last-eight stage.

Big Margin Win for Karnataka in Women’s National Football

Karnataka defeated meek Rajasthan 11-0 in the 18th Senior Women’s National Football Championship at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal, Manipur on Tuesday, March 9.

For Karnataka captain Amoolya (SAI), Vanitha (SAI), Sena Loadhima (MCC), Aloka D’ Souza (MCC), and Bindu (JNC) scored two goals each and Hema Rajeshori (SAI) found the target once.

In the next match, state girls meet last year’s runners up Orissa tomorrow, March 11. Orissa toyed with Rajasthan in their first match and defeated them by 29-0. Tomorrow’s game is a must-win game for Karnataka should they want to qualify for the quarterfinals. A draw would not do any good for state as Orissa is way ahead in goal difference.

Unfortunate demise of an upcoming footballer

Jayakumar, a budding footballing talent who used to play for Jupiter, died fatefully yesterday, March 6.

He was accompanying his family to a temple in Bannerghatta, outside of Bangalore. After visiting the temple, he went to take a dip to a neighboring water tank. However, he went missing after that and thousands of devotees flocking to the temple made the search operation difficult.

Jayakumar played a stellar role when Jupiter recently got promoted to B Division from C Division.

Jayakumar left his aged parents and 4 brothers and sisters. He hailed from Pillanna garden, near Tanney road, this locality has produced numerous footballers.

BDFA chairman, M.P.Swamy and committee members condoled the untimely death of a budding player.  

Jayakumar’s cremation will be taken place tomorrow, March 8, 10 am at Pillanna garden burial ground.

Bangalore Blues lifts Dowlath Khan Trophy

Bangalore Blues defeated Rangers 3-1 and won the Dowlath Khan Trophy for the year first time.

It was the victory of youth and exuberance over experience. The Rangers looked like a fatigued team through the whole game and gave up to the much speedy Blues.

Bangalore Blues went ahead in the game from a Kiran Kumar goal in the 26th minute (1-0). Till lemon-break, they were leading in the same margin.

The starting of second half saw some urgency from the Rangers, as a result they equalized in through a goal from Indrajith (1-1). However, they failed to keep up the momentum and Bangalore Blues started controlling the game. 

Blues quickly came back to the game from a goal from Shivakumar (2-1). Later they raided Rangers defense in a flurry; took aimless long rangers that did not help their cause.

Kiran Kumar again scored the goal for the blues in 65 minute (3-1) and sealed the fate for Rangers. 

Rangers coach Sunderesan sounded satisfied in his teams’ performance. “Age is not with my players, we had several injuries. But, I am glad that we’ve scored a goal". He is optimistic about his teams’ chances in the BDFA 3rd division league.

Rangers versus Bangalore Blues in Dowlath Khan Final

What started of with 38 teams is now cut back to the 2 best teams. The stage is set for the finals of the Dowlath Khan Trophy - it’s experienced Rangers against the young and talented Bangalore Blues boys.

The current Bangalore Blues is a young team with many players represented Karnataka U–16. If one looks 30 to 40 years back, Blues was a team to recon with. Famous players like Narasimha (from Shanthinagar) and Ramiah donned the colors of Bangalore Blues.

BDFA 'B' Division championship league, Bangalore Blues Cup is donated by the same team. Present secretary, Sukhanand is putting huge efforts to bring Bangalore Blues to a top level team in Bangalore.

Coached by former India goalkeeper Sunderesan, Rangers is no novice in Bangalore football, read their emergence here. Also, coach Sunderesan was a part of the ITI squad that won the inaugural Federation Cup in way back in 1977.

These veteran players mostly employed in ITI and HAL is turning out for private club for a cause – draw attention from the ITI Management, still the players can successfully shoulder the responsibility of a C Division club.

Unfortunately, few seasons back, ITI shelved their football team. If such endeavors from Rangers can catch the imagination of the ITI management, then the Bangalore football fraternity will be hugely benefited.

The final starts tomorrow, March 5, 3.30 pm at the Bangalore Football Stadium, Ashoknagar.

KSFA announces squad for Senior Women’s National

KSFA today announced the 20-member squad for the Senior Women’s National Football Championship. Imphal, the capital of Manipur will host the 18th edition from March 7 to 25, 2010.

Karnataka is placed in Cluster II along with Rajasthan and Orissa. They play their first match on March 9 against Rajasthan and next match against Orissa on March 11. 
 
Manipur is the reigning champion, they defeated arch rivals Orissa 2-0 in the final of the previous edition of the tournament.

Team:

Amoolya (Captain), Hema Rajeshwari, Deekshita R, Arshi M, Arpitha PG, Kavitha R, Vanitha, Lakhsmi, Brishti, Swetha SP (all from SAI), Aloka D’souza, Senelda, Nikitha (all from MCC), Ashritha, Roopa, Niveditha (all from SJCC), Komala (Madikeri), Poojana (Tumkur), Sharanya (BUWFC), and Bindhu (JNC)

Chitra Gangadharan (SAI) will be the coach and Hemalatha HS will be the manager of the contingent.

Age no bar for the Rangers

Rangers against Bangalore Reds match in the BDFA C Division Dowlath Khan Knockout Trophy was like two generations pitted against each other. If Bangalore Reds represented youth then Rangers was all about experience.

What’s the average age of the Rangers? 45 years, yes, and this is no typo! Yet the experience of the Veterans, oops, the Rangers prevailed over the Reds, who were visibly half of the age of the Rangers.

The Rangers team is full of experienced players who turned-out for city’s top club during their playing heydays. This team has former players from ITI - Sundaresh, Indrajith, Andrew (all represented National junior team), Kanikraj, Harry Frank, Annapakumar,
Ashokan, Sathytan and former players from HAL who also represented Karnataka in the Santosh Trophy - Philips, Lawrence, and Gangadhara.

The Rangers might have past their prime, yet have the dedication and stamina to play a 70-minute competitive match, and take their team to the final round.

Garden City Soccer Stars salutes the footballing spirit of the Rangers. All the best for the finals!

Rangers against Bangalore Blues in the Dowlath Khan Trophy Final

Rangers rallied from an one goal deficit in the second half and defeated Bangalore Reds 2-1 in the second semi final. In the first semi final of the day, Bangalore Blues drubbed IISC 3-1.

The winners now meet on the final on Friday, March 5 to be played at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

It was Akash Kumar who drew the first blood for the Bangalore Reds. Indrajith equalized for the Rangers in the 40th minute. The winner came in the 57th minute from a defensive lapse by the Reds.

Scores
1st semi final: Bangalore Blues 3 (Madan-18, Babu-32', and Dinesh-58') defeated IISC 1(Madhu-11')
2nd semi final: Rangers 2 (Indrajith-40' and Dilip-57) defeated Bangalore Blue 1 (Akash Kumar-1')

Final
Bangalore Blues versus Rangers March 5, 4 pm

Semi-final line up drawn for Dowlath Khan

1st semi final: Bangalore Blues versus IISC, March 1, 03-2010, 1.30 pm
2nd semi final: Rangers versus Bangalore Reds, March 1, 03-2010, 3.30 pm