The Smt RSB Arya Vidya Mandir (AVM) in Juhu has emerged as a dominant force in inter-school girls’ football over recent years. With a lineage of championships, the school’s U-16 football team is set to clinch the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) U-16 Division-I title this season. Their journey has been characterized by commitment, talent, and strategic play, earning them the nickname “Ranis (Queens) of football.”
**A Legacy of Victories**
The AVM girls have established their dominance by winning the last two editions of mid-day’s “Ranis of Rink,” Mumbai’s exclusive inter-school rink football tournament for under-16 girls. Since its inception in 2019, the eight-team, five-a-side tournament has seen AVM’s supremacy. They clinched the title in 2022, overcoming Dhirubhai Ambani School (Bandra) in the final, and maintained their winning streak by defeating Rustomejee Cambridge International (Dahisar) in the 2024 finale.
**Impressive Growth Despite Challenges**
The continuous growth of the AVM girls’ football team, particularly in the MSSA U-16 Division I, is nothing short of commendable. The school’s limited sports infrastructure offers no access to a full-size football field; instead, the team trains on a 30x80m school ground. Additionally, lacking a professional coaching setup, the girls are guided by their physical education teacher-cum-football coach Desmond D’Souza. Despite these obstacles, the team has excelled in Mumbai’s inter-school football events.
Starting their progressive journey with an MSSA U-12 title in 2014, the AVM U-16 team has since secured the Division-I title in 2017-18, 2019–20, and 2023–24, and were runners-up in 2018-19. The tournaments were put on hold in 2020-21 and 2021–22 due to the pandemic, and the team abstained from participating the following season. Nevertheless, the girls are now back with renewed vigor.
**Aiming for Another Trophy**
On Thursday, AVM aims to defend their MSSA Division-I title against Bombay Scottish (Mahim) at St Francis D’Assisi ground, Borivli. A 4-1 semi-final victory over Rustomjee Cambridge International featured standout performances from forward Norah Bhattacharya, who scored four goals, and midfielder Radhika Vyas with three goals. The team, led by Stuti Kothari, has shown remarkable coherence and skill, not just in the MSSA tournament but also in district, state, and national-level competitions.
**Glorious Wins Across Boards**
Their excellence extends beyond the MSSA. The AVM girls triumphed in the District Sports Office’s Subroto Cup, winning the DSO Mumbai suburban final 2-1 against Rustomjee Cambridge International School (Dahisar), followed by a 2-0 victory over DSO Mumbai city champions Bombay Scottish (Mahim) to claim the Divisional championship. At the state-level meet in Balewadi, Pune, they defeated Nagpur Division 2-0 in the final clash. Their achievements peaked as they represented Maharashtra at the 63rd Subroto International Football Tournament for girls U-17 in New Delhi, marking the first time a Maharashtra girls’ team participated.
. At the Subroto tournament, they played three matches, securing two wins and one loss.
**Desmond D’Souza: The Guiding Force**
PE teacher Desmond D’Souza has been at the helm, guiding and shaping the team. “I began my tenure at the school in 2009 as a physical education teacher with prior experience as a football coach. Working with Class III girls initially, I gradually extended training to U-14 and U-16 teams. Despite training on a ground smaller than a regulation football field, these girls have shown exceptional hard work, talent, and passion,” said D’Souza.
Emphasizing the importance of fitness and fundamental skills, D’Souza works diligently with the girls, who are permitted daily training sessions during the last two lectures by the supportive principal, Damanjit Kaur Sabherwal.
**Midfield Maestro: Radhika Vyas**
Among the stellar team members, midfielder Radhika Vyas stands out for her versatility. “Radhika’s ability to play in multiple positions is a huge asset to our team. She can score, assist, and defend effectively,” praised D’Souza. Principal Sabherwal attributes the team’s success to D’Souza’s talent-nurturing ability and the team’s strong will and unity.
**Inspirational Alumna: Anagha Janakkiraman**
Former national-level footballer Anagha Janakkiraman, now pursuing higher studies in the Netherlands, remains connected to her roots. “Leading the team to its maiden MSSA Div-1 U-16 title in 2017 was a significant honor. It’s heartwarming to see the relentless passion and hunger for success thriving in the current team members,” she shared.
**Unwavering Team Spirit**
Current U-16 team captain Stuti Kothari notes, “Playing together has fostered a strong understanding of each other’s style, aiding our teamwork. We owe our success to the unwavering support from our school, coach, and parents. We are in excellent form and aim to win the MSSA U-16 title again this year.”
Radhika Vyas, a top performer, concludes, “Desmond sir’s astute strategies and our mutual trust have been pivotal. Each of us plays a crucial role, and our collective effort is the secret to our success.”
As the Smt RSB Arya Vidya Mandir girls continue to shine, their journey is a testament to dedication, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles. Their story stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.
