Some intense and absorbing contests will be witnessed as the 17th edition of the Kalina Football League, organised by the Our Lady of Egypt Church Sports Committee, is set to commence at the Our Lady of Egypt Church grounds, Kalina from Sunday, September 17, 2017.
This is one of the oldest and longest running private leagues in the city of Mumbai. This is also a unique tournament because it is restricted to teams (zonal basis) comprising of players residing with Kalina vicinity. Another unique feature about this tournament is, that this is the only tournament that has always been conducted by the Church, which forms a sports committee to organise the event. The matches are all played in true football spirit and in sporting atmosphere and they attract a positive response from within the community as every match is watched by large number of spectators.
The league has produced several international and national players, some of them representing leading clubs in the I-League and ISL competitions. At present Raju Gaikwad and Jayesh Rane are the players from Kalina who are current playing for Mumbai City FC and Athletico Kolkata respectively.
A total of 10 teams including last year’s champions Indian FC will be fighting it out for the top honours in the Men’s category. The other participating teams are — Air India Colony, FC Kolovery, FC Kolovery – Z3, Kalina Village Boys, Kalina Rangers, Kalina Village Boys Franco Sports, Kalina Village Boys Trapich, Kalina United and Egyptians Boys.
Simultaneously a Boys’ Under-16 League and a Men’s Veterans’ Inter-Parish event will be conducted.
The tournament offers handsome prize-money and trophies for the winners, runners-up and individual awards.
The 10 teams participating the Main League: Air India Colony, FC Kolovery, Indian FC, FC Kolovery (Z3), Kalina Village Boys, Kalina Rangers, Kalina Village Boys Franco Sports, Kalina Village Boys Trapich, Kalina United, Egyptians Boys.
Boy’s U-16 League: Air India Colony, FHSC INDIA, Inspiring Humanity, Junior Rangers, Kalina Village Boys.