OUR PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, May 25, 2015: Following the thumping success of the inaugural edition of STAIRS School Football League (SSFL) in 2014, STAIRS is back with SSFL-2 with more vigour and punch. Country’s biggest school level football extravaganza- the STAIRS SFL 2 is set to be bigger and better with an expected participation of more than 10,000 school children from Delhi/NCR. For SSFL-2 STAIRS has partnered with Hindustan Football Academy (HFA) which will provide technical support in carrying out the tournament. SSFL aims to promote football at the grassroots and provide an organized structure to enable growth of talent.

Speaking about the initiative Mr Siddhartha Upadhyay, Founder & Secretary General, STAIRS said: “STAIRS SFL is back in a bigger and better format. To make the tournament even more sound and fruitful for future footballers this year we have partnered with HFA, who will help us create a right fusion of school teams as well as STAIRS’ teams through various grassroots camps. I am sure with their experience and expertise they will add much value. The success of first edition of SSFL has given us the confidence and motivation to take this initiative to a new level.”

“Hindustan Football Academy is happy to be associated with STAIRS in conducting the second edition of SSFL. Their efforts are praiseworthy and hope in near future some talented youngsters will emerge and be a part of the changing scenario in Indian football.” Said Mr D.K. Bose, Chief Administrator, HFA. 

The league intends to develop a well-organized grassroots youth development programme, through an organised championship league that will be committed towards structured professional training. This will also allow access to football to the children in their environment. The idea of this league is that every enthusiast between the age group of 14-17 gets an opportunity to play competitively.

HFA has a football legacy spanning six decades. The club has over the years been applauded for their groundbreaking approach in mentoring sporting talents. It mentors talent not just on a national level but internationally as well. 

SSFL 2015 edition will kickoff by the end of August 2015 and registrations will begin on July 1st, 2015. 

About STAIRS:

STAIRS is a New Delhi-headquartered not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) which aims to empower the underprivileged youth of India. It is committed to providing opportunities to the young Indians so that they can lead a life of dignity. The NGO, which started in 2000, nurtures the talented sportsmen at the bottom-of-the-pyramid of the society so that they can use this ability as a mean of earning a living and pursue it as a career. STAIRS also organises educational and health programmes. It educates the youth about the dignity of labour and equality irrespective of caste, creed or sex. It has nearly 300 centres spread across six states.

About Hindustan Football Academy:

Hindustan Football Academy (HFA) was established in 2000 under the aegis of Hindustan Football Club, a prominent club in Delhi and North India, having the rare distinction to become Group Champion in Senior as well as U-19 category from North India in the prestigious I-League (IL) Championship conducted by AIFF. HFA trains U-14 and U-17 boys under Asian Football Confederation qualified experienced coaches. HFA boys are regularly selected by Delhi state and other agencies for various championships. HFA is working with a definite target to become the feeding point of players not only to Hindustan Football Club, but also to other clubs in and outside Delhi, thus, providing the opportunity to the upcoming talented players to perform at the National/International level. In 2015, two Academy U-17 boys were picked up by HFC to be a part of U-19 team to participate in the prestigious I-League Championship along with prominent AIFF Elite Academy, Mohan Bagan FC, Pune FC and DSK Shivajians. 

For more information:

Neeraj Atri / Subrat Sarangi
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