SSAC Royals Soccer Festival 2012

SSAC takes pleasure in announcing the 2nd edition of the Royals Soccer Fest, a 7-a side open knockout tournament, which is scheduled for February 25th & 26th 2012.

Venue: Maxxi Grounds, Near Old Lourdes High School, Kalyan (W).

The Royals Soccer Fest is a 7-a side invitational knockout tournament, which will be held in Kalyan. This tournament will have a “Champions Trophy” (Winners) and “Challengers Trophy” (Runners-up) along with cash prize for both.

Royals Soccer Fest will feature the best football teams across Thane district and Navi Mumbai. Along with the best teams, we will also have the certified referees for officiating matches during this tournament.

In this first edition of Royals Soccer Fest, we will have limited number of teams and matches will be conducted in a very professional manner, with an aim to deliver the best of footballing experience to all the participating teams.

Draws for the tournament will be announced on the 24th February’12 during a meeting of all team representatives at a common venue. Detailed schedule will be shared with the representatives of the participating teams during this meet. This early information will help you to select the best players & get the best out of your teams in this grand tournament.

All the participating players will be provided with snacks, fruits & refreshments on both the days (Saturday & Sunday).

Detailed rules and regulations for this tournament will be provided separately.

Royals Soccer Fest will have the best of atmosphere for all the players as well as soccer fans.

Organising committee will be updating the results of all the matches on their blogs on both the days.

Note: Matches will be conducted as per the schedule finalised by the organising committee, requesting participating teams to be present at the venue at least one hour before the match.

There will be total of 16 teams participating in this invitational Royal Soccer Fest.

Complete details about the match patterns will be shared with the confirmed entrants, when the fixtures will be finalised.

Prizes:
Champions Trophy prize money is Rs. 11,111/-
Challengers Trophy prize money is Rs. 7,777/-

Most Valuable Player (MVP) will be awarded for the semi-finals and the finals during this tournament. MVP’s for all these matches will get a pack of goodies.

Our esteemed guests during the finals will be taking the final decision for all the above mentioned prizes.

Entry Fees for this invitational tournament will be Rs. 1000/-.

Along with knockout tournament, SSAC will conduct an open “Freestyle Football Contest” on the 26th February; i.e. Sunday. All the participating players are free to participate in this contest and showcase your footballing skills. This contest will take place during the breaks between semi-final & final matches. “Freestyle Football Contest” winners will receive a pack of goodies.
Note: Our guests of honour for the finals will be taking the final decision for the “Freestyle Football Contest”.

For further information on this tournament, please feel free to contact:
1. Mr. Devendra Sharma @ +91-9322518725
2. Mr. Rakesh Menon @ +91-9769283230
3. Mr. Nitin Jaurkar @ +91-9769981838

Interested participants/teams can also mail their queries to info@ssac.in

Pre-Season Training for 2011-12 season starts this week

2010-11 season ended on high as we finished third behind Century KKK & NFS. We were on same points as NFS, but goal differences pushed us to third place.

Although we finished third, but the team's performances before the season ending game was not as convincing as it should have been.

This season we have renewed focus on pre-season training, since we have the Mayor's cup as our first test this month.

Shanti Sir has requested everyone to focus more on practise sessions and concentrate on fitness levels during the pre-season.

We request everyone to make the most out of these innovative practise sessions conducted by Shanti Sir.

This pre-season training will actually help us to set both our teams right for the complete season.

Pre-season training for the 2011-12 season will start this week. Session timings will be shared asap.

Season ending fixture against Century Rayon at Fatima Grounds, Ambernath

Well, we were informed that our last fixture of this season will be against league leaders, Century Rayon. Century Rayon were leading the league table and we were standing second with NFS at third, a point behind us. NFS also had to play their last match against NMSA from Vashi.

We had to win this match at any cost. And the team had a task at their hands, as Century have won all their matches convincingly with good margins against all the remaining teams in the super division.

Century was the team to beat in the super division this season. A day before the match, we had 15-16 players confirmed. But on match-day, we were just the 11 of us, as the team was for the last four matches.

But no extras was not a reason to dampen the spirit of the team. On match-day, it was raining heavily. Both the teams were ready and luckily for everyone, the rains stopped for sometime.

We entered the match with a zeal to win the game as we had to finish second in the table.

Kickoff time. SSAC Royals started the first half and were soon dominated by the century midfield. But Ankit, Suneet, Ricky were defending brilliantly and sanoj on goal was good. The defense was was firm and strong, which didnt give the oppponents to take their chances.

Team was able to keep the waves of attacks from Century at bay on regular basis during the first half.

It was Suneet's clearance, which was recieved by Ian. Ian was fouled there, Subheesh stepped up to take the free kick. The kick got deflected from a Century player and landed on the feet of Ian. Ian carried the ball got past one defender and released Akash on the left flank. Akash was upto the challenge and went around two defenders and crossed from the left corner. This cross was recieved by Rakesh, but rakesh was on his weeker left foot and blasted the ball just wide of the right post. Very much to the satisfaction of Centurys coach and players along the sidelines.

It was the only attack from SSAC Royals during the first half and the team was able to keep a clean sheet during the first half.

Ian was constantly marked by two Century players, but still made enough room to create chances.

During the breather, team decided to stick to the same strategy and push harder and go for the final push in the game. Second half, team had to defend harder as the tired legs were clearly visible. Century were attacking in the better half of the pitch, very much to there liking.

There was foul on the edge of the box and Sanoj was unable to set the wall right. Century scored their first goal through this free kick. Team were disappointed but lifted themselves and carried on with the game.

Rakesh was little lacklustre today but Mangesh was also playing well in his position. He was holding the ball and spreading the game. He released Mahendra on the left half line. Mahendra was quick to sight Akash's run and gave him a through ball.Akash got pass one defender but his shot was weak and Century goal keeper had no trouble collecting the ball.That was a golden chance missed.... Akash was working hard and was relentless to give up.

As the team was defending properly and were also tough, Century players started getting frustrated and loosing their tempers on field. During a Century corner, an off-the-ball incident, Subheesh was hit badly on his mouth with an elbow and he started bleeding. This set the temper and we avoided a major scuffle.

Just minutes after this incident, there was a hand ball by century in their own half and Blesson stepped up to take the free kick. His free kick landed inside the box and Ian headed on the ball to AKash, who trapped it kept his cool and slammed the ball home.

It was 1-1 and team was playing harder and more tougher. It was a do or die match for the team.

The team was pushing hard and Ankit passed the ball to Ian. Manish from Century tackled Ian very badly and referee was just in front of him. Referee showed a straight red card to Manish. Century was down to 10 men.

But the team had less time to capitalise on the advantage and referee blew the final whistle.

It was a convincing draw, but the team could have won the match. The teams spirit was commendable during this game today. Our head-coach Shanti Manjhi was happy with this result.

The team has finished third in the Super Division of this season TDFA league.

Thanks for the support during throughout the season. Hoping that next season, the team will top the league.

James Moses bids good-bye

Our very own James Das Moses, the star defender of Royals United is no more with us.
James, who was associated with the team from its early days and was also the core member of the group. James has played at all the levels within TDFA & MDFA. He was one of the best defenders, Kalyan has ever produced.

Its really sad and unfortunate, that James is no more with us. He was a gem of a person with a great sense of humour.His sense of humour would always keep the people around happy.

James was also responsible for training upcoming football players at Railway Grounds, Kalyan. Always seen imparting his footballing knowledge to younsgters at the ground.

From everyone at SSAC, we would offer our sincere condolences to his family on this sad demise. May the almighty offer great strength to his family and friends.

SSAC Royals United 1-0 NMSA

SSAC Royals United won their second match of the season against Navi Mumbai Sports Association (NMSA) convincingly on sunday (13th Feb'11).

SSAC Royals were boosted by the presence of Ian Fialho upfront, who was not present for the first match. Rest of the starting line up was more or less the same as last time, only change was Mangesh played in place of Akash Rajput as the left half and Ankit Shetty was playing as a stopper in place of Mr. Sanoj Koran.

SSAC Royals dominated the game from the first whistle. Team was controlling the game but were loosing possession at times, due to lack of concentration and co-ordination.

NMSA took their chances on our goal, but were unable to convert anything. This was because of Mr. Ramesh Chaudhari Sir, who marshalled the defense with ease.

SSAC midfield controlled the game pretty well. Rakesh Menon and Nitin Jaurkar played well, but the switching of play was lacking during the game. Lack of practise sessios was also responsible for the same.

Rakesh took a nice run from the center easing past two opponents and pulled towards the right corner of NMSA half. He then put in a cross right across the face of the goal, Ian missed on the volley, but Nitin was following him up and scored the goal.

Ian Fialho was not in his best during the game as it was his first game of the season. He missed a lot of oppurtunities but was also tracked closely by the NMSA defenders.

During the first half, one more oppurtunity was created from the left side of the field by Mangesh. Nitin recieved the ball in a scoring position, but instead of scoring he passed the ball to Ian, who was eventually in an offside position and the second goal was ruled out.

First half, SSAC Royals lead NMSA 1-0.

After a chat with Shanti Sir, the team entered into the second half with a slender lead of one goal. It was critical to score another one asap. Just after 5 mins, Mahendra was replaced by Sanoj in the mid-field. Nitin met with a nasty tackle during the second half and was replaced by Akash Rajput.

Akash and Mangesh swapped positions in the mid-field. Second half was also controlled majorly by SSAC Royals. But they were unable to get more goals. Ian missed out on couple of chances during the second half also.

Prashant and Ricky also combined well with the midfield to create chances for strikers, but these chances were not converted.

Full time whistle, SSAC Royals 1-0 NMSA.

Overall the win was good, but the winning margin could have been better.

Shanti Sir, has taken note of all these points and would take this up during the practise sessions over the week.

SSAC Royals United have two wins out of two matches, but there are many aspects on which the team has to concentrate and work hard upon. Since the upcoming fixtures will be tough.

Details about the upcoming fixtures will be uploaded asap.

SSAC Royal United kickoff this seasons campaign with a win

SSAC Royal United 1-0 Football Lovers

SSAC seniors kicked off their Super Division campaign with a win over Football lovers yesterday. With a walkover in their last match, this was their first game in action. SSAC won the match 1-0.

SSAC entered the match with a very positive and must win approach and coach Shanti Manjhi's presence also added up to the same.

SSAC seniors were very much the same team of last season. Only addition to the team was Mr. Ramesh Chaudhari, a seasoned campaigner, having played at all possible levels with Maharashtra Police.

SSAC seniors dominated the game completely keeping maximum possession. It was one-way traffic from the starting whistle. Mid-field and defense were upto their tasks for this very match.

Akash Rajput and Prashant Bhondve had a nice game and were instrumental in creating many chances along with central midfield pairing of Rakesh Menon & Nitin Jaurkar.

Akash Rajput suffered a huge blow, when an opponent knocked off his ankle.

Regi Thomas was acting as the lone striker up front and was unable to capitalise on the chances created by the mid field.

No goals were scored at halftime.

Second half also started on a positive note for SSAC Seniors. They continued their possession game and were moving the ball around the field excellently.

But still the deadlock was not broken and the team were desperately awaiting a goal, as 4-5 open chances had been missed during the match.

It took a special effort from Prashant Bhondve to break the deadlock.
SSAC Seniors recieved a direct free-kick in the opponents half as a result of a clumpsy challenge.

Prashant stepped up for this free-kick and converted the same. It was a wonder strike from Prashant and it helped SSAC seniors take the lead.

All and all it was a good game, but there are still concerns over the finishing touches.

SSAC seniors will have to work hard and rectify these mistakes with the guidance from Shanti Sir. Shanti Sir has already chalked down a plan of action.

Requesting all the players to be present for all the practise sessions and achieve the maximum this season.

SSAC Royal United vs Football Lovers

SSAC Royal United will be playing against Football Lovers in their second match of the 2010/11 TDFA Super Division League match.

The team is prepared for their very first match on field, since the earlier match was a walkover.

Players are in good shape and management is pretty confident about a good show on match day.

Requesting all the supporters to be present at Century Grounds on Sunday 30th Jan'11 at 4:00 pm.

Thanks and have a nice day ahead.