The Smt RSB Arya Vidya Mandir (Juhu) girls’ U-16 football team has once again showcased why they are often hailed as the Ranis (Queens) of the inter-school football scene in Mumbai. For years, they have dominated the stage and continue to look formidable as they set their sights on securing the MSSA U-16 Division-I title this season.
In a recent practice session at their school ground in Juhu, the AVM girls exhibited their undying spirit and impeccable skills. Though the school lacks access to a full-size football field and relies on a modest 30x80m school ground for training, this has not deterred them from excelling. Despite the absence of a professional coaching setup, under the guidance of their dedicated physical education teacher and football coach, Desmond D’Souza, the girls have consistently outperformed their competitors.
The past successes of the AVM U-16 girls are a testament to their dedication and hard work. They secured the MSSA U-12 title in 2014, an achievement that marked the beginning of their notable journey. Since then, they have won the MSSA U-16 Division-I title in the 2017-18, 2019-20, and 2023-24 seasons, while finishing as runners-up in the 2018-19 season. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the tournament in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, and AVM did not participate in the subsequent season.
The journey has not been easy, but the tenacity of these young athletes has been unwavering. This Thursday, they are poised to defend their MSSA Division-I title against Bombay Scottish (Mahim) in the finals at St. Francis D’Assisi ground, Borivli. The semi-final saw them dominate Rustomjee Cambridge International (Dahisar) with a resounding 4-1 victory. Top performers for AVM include forward Norah Bhattacharya, who has scored four goals, and midfielder Radhika Vyas, who has netted three.
Beyond the MSSA tournament, the team has also excelled at district, state, and national levels. Their triumphs include winning the District Sports Office-organized Subroto Cup, defeating Rustomjee Cambridge International School (Dahisar) 2-1 in the Mumbai suburban final, and overcoming Bombay Scottish (Mahim) 2-0 to claim the Divisional championship. At the state meet held in Balewadi, Pune, they defeated the Nagpur Division 2-0 in the summit clash. This victory granted them the honor of representing Maharashtra at the 63rd Subroto International football tournament for girls U-17 in New Delhi, making them the first girls’ team from Maharashtra to achieve this feat. In the Subroto tournament, they secured two wins in three matches.
Much of the team’s success can be attributed to the strategic guidance of Desmond D’Souza. He started his tenure at the school as a physical education teacher in 2009, bringing his experience as a former football coach. He began training the Class III girls and gradually progressed to coaching the U-14 and U-16 teams. D’Souza underscores the fact that training on a smaller field has not hampered their performance.
. “These girls are extremely hardworking, talented, and passionate about the game. Our training regimen focuses on fitness, dynamic exercises, and fundamental football skills. Our principal, Damanjit Kaur Sabherwal, supports us by allowing daily training during the last two lectures without compromising on academics,” explained D’Souza.
Midfielder Radhika Vyas stands out as a key player. Her versatility on the field, combined with her scoring and defensive abilities, makes her an invaluable asset. “Radhika is a midfielder, but I have trained her to play in various positions as needed. She’s a huge asset for our team,” D’Souza remarked. Principal Sabherwal attributes the team’s success to D’Souza’s aptitude for identifying and nurturing raw talent. “Our girls have shown that with unity, strategy, and a never-give-up attitude, they can conquer the toughest challenges. Their achievements at district, state, and national levels are a reflection of their commitment,” said Sabherwal.
Former national-level footballer Anagha Janakkiraman, an alumna of AVM, keeps up with the team’s achievements from The Hague University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. “It was an honor to lead the team to its maiden MSSA Div-1 U-16 title in 2017. Seeing the current team members exhibit the same passion and hunger as we did is heartwarming. Coach Desmond D’Souza’s keen eye for talent has been instrumental in their success,” she shared.
Current team captain Stuti Kothari expressed confidence in their prospects for the MSSA U-16 title. “We love playing football and have been playing together for years. This helps us understand each other’s play styles, making us a cohesive unit. Our school, coach, and parents’ support has been invaluable. We are ready to give our best and are confident of succeeding,” Kothari said.
Top performer Radhika Vyas echoed this sentiment, lauding D’Souza’s ability to read the opposition and adapt strategies accordingly. “Desmond sir plays me in different positions, and I’m happy to deliver for my team. We trust each other on the field, and that’s the secret to our success,” Vyas concluded.
Given their impressive track record and enduring perseverance, the Smt RSB Arya Vidya Mandir (Juhu) girls’ football team indeed stands as the reigning queens of inter-school football in Mumbai.
