Each team was mentored by a corporate veteran who provided guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for team-building activities.
Champions League Season 1
The Maxx Social Welfare Foundation (MSWF) NGO, renowned for its impactful initiatives in sports, self-defense, and health, celebrated the successful completion of the inaugural Future Champions League (FCL) - Season 1. This groundbreaking event, co-organized by the Rotary Club of Bombay Powai (RCBP) and the Sahakar Deogiri Foundation (SDF), provided an unparalleled platform for young, underprivileged talent from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to showcase their potential.
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Uncovering Hidden Talent Across Mumbai
The journey to FCL Season 1 began in April 2023, when the FCL Sports Committee shortlisted over 15 schools across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. School principals enthusiastically supported the initiative, aligning with the vision of creating opportunities for underprivileged youth. Following this, extensive assessment workshops were conducted, involving over 350 students evaluated by cricket specialists on predefined criteria. From this talented pool, 94 players were selected for intensive coaching under professional trainers.
The selected players were divided into six teams through an online auction process. Each team was mentored by a corporate veteran who provided guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for team-building activities. These mentors played a critical role in instilling confidence and nurturing the skills of the young cricketers.
The final league matches took place on January 4, 2025, at the Shivai Ground, JVLR, Mumbai. The event began with a vibrant march-past at 8 AM, setting a lively tone for the day. Daksha Pisat, Program Director at MSWF, delivered an inspiring inaugural address, followed by a motivational speech by Nikhil Madgavkar. The players displayed exceptional enthusiasm and skill throughout the matches, culminating in a thrilling final. The Champion Chargers, led by Rtn. Hanuman Tripathi (Managing Partner - Lead Angels), emerged victorious, clinching the Season 1 trophy.
Corporate Leaders as Mentors and Role Models
Prominent corporate leaders played a key role as team owners, offering their mentorship and unwavering support. These included Rtn. Vanamali Ramaswami (Director - Strategic Business Development, RL Technologies Pvt Ltd), Rtn. Hanuman Tripathi (Managing Partners – Lead Angels), Rtn. Amit Sheth (Co-Chairman at aurionPro Solutions), Rtn. Shrikrishna Bhave (Ex-Director, Human Resources at Forbes & Co), Rtn. Sanjay Thakur (Senior General Manager at Miele India), and Rtn. Nikhil Madgavkar (Advisor - Family Office of Parekh's, Former CFO (FES) at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd). Their involvement went beyond the cricket field, as they provided invaluable guidance and encouragement to the young players, helping them build confidence and develop life skills.
The closing ceremony was marked by heartfelt acknowledgments and inspiring messages. Vidya Balkhande, Director of Maxx Social Welfare Foundation, expressed gratitude to everyone involved and encouraged the participants to continue their journey in sports. Dr. Susan Tripathi, President of the Rotary Club of Bombay Powai, highlighted the initiative as one of her proudest achievements and pledged to carry forward the legacy of the Future Champions League. Mr. Vishal Agarwal, Group CEO - Interem (FSL Group Company), delivered a motivational speech that left the young players hopeful and inspired for their future in cricket.
Commitment to Grassroots Sports Development
Looking ahead, the FCL Sports Committee is committed to identifying and supporting promising talent from this group to help them progress toward professional cricket. The ongoing collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bombay Powai will ensure sustained efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development in the region.
The Future Champions League Season 1 is a testament to the transformative power of sports. By inspiring and uplifting underprivileged youth, this initiative has set a new benchmark for grassroots sports development and paves the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.
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