Sourav, Sheffield FC to play soccer in city competition

Sports news:

Sheffield Football Club of England, the world's oldest soccer club, will take part along with the city triumvirates - Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting - in a tournament that would see former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly on a unusual pitch. Union minister and Mohammedan Sporting president Sultan Ahmed on Tuesday said Sheffield FC would take part in the 'Mohammedan Sporting Platinum Jubilee Cup', being organized by the club next month to remember the 75th year of its first victory in the Calcutta football league in 1934.

The victory was also the first win of the then important league by any Indian team. The club has roped in former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, also a keen football lover, to be the brand ambassador of the event, Ahmed said. Ganguly would also be seen playing for Mohammedan Sporting in the competition, to be held in knockout basis. The four teams would be divided into two groups in a draw.

The first two matches would be played on November 12 and the winners would play the final two days later. The Indian Football Association (IFA), the governing body of the game in the state, has permitted the meet, during which a theme song of the club would be launched. The postal department has also agreed to a proposal to bring out a special cover on this unique occasion, the union minister of state for tourism said.

As part of the programme, Ahmed said, the club has decided to introduce 'Mohammedan Sporting Jewels' award to be given to former players, coaches and officials of the club. Each year one such personality would be honoured, he said. The club would also initiate 'Mohammedan Youth Scholarships' to be given to three brilliant footballers of Bengal each year. The club would also organize a quiz contest on sports and soccer among 100 schools in the state besides felicitating former football greats of the club, he added.