The second edition of the Cambridge U-14 Inter-School Football Tournament concluded at Cambridge School, Noida, bringing together 21 school teams for a competitive showcase of young footballing talent.
The tournament featured 12 teams in the Boys’ category and nine in the Girls’ category, with players competing in a series of closely fought matches marked by discipline, teamwork and determination.
The competition crowned new champions in both categories.
In the Girls’ final, Shiv Nadar School, Noida defeated Army Public School, Noida 2-0 to claim the championship title. In the Boys’ category, Apeejay School, Noida was declared champion by walkover.
Several young players were also recognised for their performances during the tournament.
In the Boys’ category, Paarshiv Chugh of Apeejay School, Noida received the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, while teammate Rudra Sonkusre was named Player of the Tournament.
For the Girls’ competition, Anaya Abbas of Shiv Nadar School, Noida was adjudged Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Samayra Raheja, also representing Shiv Nadar School, received the Player of the Tournament honour.
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Noida City FC Scouts Young Footballers
One of the key additions to this year’s tournament was a scouting initiative aimed at giving promising school-level footballers exposure to organised club football.
Noida City FC, a registered football club, assessed players during the competition and identified promising talent from participating schools.
Players shortlisted by the club will be invited to attend its pre-season practice camp, where they will get an opportunity to experience a professional club training environment.
The initiative adds a development dimension to the inter-school tournament by creating a possible pathway for young players to move from school competitions towards structured club football.
For emerging footballers, such exposure can provide valuable experience beyond the school circuit while giving coaches and clubs an opportunity to identify talent at an early stage.
Dignitaries Attend Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony was attended by Surabhi Bhargava, Principal, Cambridge School, Noida; Sheetal Mittal, Vice Principal, Cambridge School, Noida; Mrinal Dharr, Executive Committee Member, D.S.A.; Prabhat Singh from Noida City FC; and Kushank Rustagi, Sports Executive, Society for the Advancement of Education (SAE).
The guests presented awards and congratulated the winning teams, runners-up and individual performers. They also acknowledged the contribution of players, coaches, match officials and organisers in conducting the tournament.
Also Read | Cambridge U-14 Football Tournament League Stage Ends, Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed
With 21 participating teams, individual player recognition and the addition of a club-level scouting opportunity, the second Cambridge U-14 Inter-School Football Tournament highlighted the growing importance of competitive school football in identifying and developing young sporting talent in Noida.