Mumbai, April 21: The Mumbai Football Association (MFA) in its efforts to encourage and promote football among the girls and women from Mumbai has decided to organise two separate women football leagues in two divisions from the 2021-2022 season. The association will conduct a MFA Mumbai Women’s Premier League, for Mumbai’s established teams/clubs that are already participating in the AIFF IWL (Indian Women League) competition. To provide a platform for upcoming teams/clubs from the city, the MFA will conduct the MFA Mumbai Women’s Super League, which basically is a second tier competition. Aaditya Thackeray, President of Mumbai Football Association said, “Development of Women’s football is a top priority for Mumbai Football Association. MFA is investing on developing programmes to bring women’s football into the mainstream, where it belongs. Other than the Mumbai Women’s Premier League and Mumbai Women’s Super League the MFA is introducing multiple age group leagues for girls in the Yuva President League and grassroots leagues.” The MFA will also organize specialized coach and referee courses and also work on capacity building of players, coaches, referees and stakeholders in women’s football. We are also looking forward to conduct legacy programs, football for all and football corners as part of the FIFA U 17 Women’s world cup scheduled in October 2022 “I thank the Bombay Gymkhana and all stakeholders for their support to help develop Women’s Football,” Thackeray further stated. Bombay Gymkhana, which has a rich sporting history and always has encouraged various sports and sportspersons, has come forward to join hands and support MEA in hosting the MWSL. Both the MWPL and MWSL are scheduled to commence from May 1, 2022. The ton- tier league would be played over the weekends on Saturday and Sunday at the Neville D’Souza ground, Bandra. The MWSL will be played at the hallowed Bombay Gymkhana ground with matches to be played from Monday to Friday during the duration of the A total of 8 clubs will battle it out for supremacy in the MWPL which will be plaved on a league basis. The teams that would be seen in action are – Bodyline SC EC Mumbaikars, Footie First FC, India Rush SC, Kenkre FC, Mumbai Knights FA, PIEA Sports FC, South Mumbai United. competition. lo the MWSL there are 16 teams that would be vying for the top honours .
