Shillong, May 15: The Asian Football Confederation celebrates its annual Grassroots Day on 15th May with the intention to increase participation at all levels and stimulate greater interest in each aspect of the sport.
In this regard, the Meghalaya Football Association marked AFC Grassroots Day on Saturday with an afternoon of girls’ football at Third Ground, Polo, Shillong.
Girls from five schools and the state team took part in a series of five-a-side matches and skill challenges, under the guidance of MFA coaches, referees and officials, on what was a fun and invigorating day.
St Mary’s Higher Secondary School won the mini-tournament on penalties in the final against the state team.
The AFC defines grassroots football as “all football which is non-professional and non-elite”. This covers football for children, youth, amateurs, veterans, the socially disadvantaged and those with learning or physical disabilities.
The MFA is planning to extend its celebrations of AFC Grassroots Day to this coming Saturday to include more activities.
(Photos contributed by the Meghalaya Football Association)
