Renown Blues finish on top of UTF Junior Football League

Tuesday, 11 February 2025 00:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In a top-to-the-table clash, Renown Football Academy (FA) Blues and Colombo Kickerz FA battled out to a 1-1 draw at Cooray Park on Saturday. It was the final week of the ‘Unity Through Football’ (UTF) Junior Football League, Sri Lanka’s first-ever junior football league.

Renown Blues, who were hoping to make five-out-of-five wins, dominated proceedings in the first half, but were thwarted by the Colombo Kickerz goalkeeper and a solid defence as the first half ended scoreless. In the second half, Colombo Kickerz grew into the game and took the lead through a bullet shot from the halfway line by M. Afthi.

It looked as if it would be the defining goal before Rahlaa Mursheed equalised with a similar long range shot. It was refreshing to see Rahlaa make a big difference in a deciding game considering girls were allowed to play in the league with the main goal of promoting unity and empowerment through football.

Renown FA Blues and Colombo Kickerz finished in the first two positions in the UTF League, as both teams remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Rahlaa and Akram Ahamed from Renown Blues were named the best players of the match.

In the second match, Java Lane beat Renown FA Whites by 1-0, after taking the lead through a goal by Nehan Amzil, a lead which they held on till the end of the match despite several attempts by Renown Whites. Amzil was named the Player of the Match as Java Lane finished third in the UTF League after a slow start, while Renown Whites finished at fourth.

In the last match, hosts for the week Cooray FA met Henry Pedris FA, as the game ended in a 1-all draw. Henry Pedris FA took the lead through a well taken goal by M.C. Rishi, while Cooray FA equalised at the end through a goal by Player of the Match Ramzan Ryhan. Cooray FA finished fifth in the UTF League, while Henry Pedris FA completed at sixth.

“Most coaches, parents, and fans felt the players had improved due to the regular weekly matches, and likewise, the teams had started to play with more teamwork.

The UTF League was a true success, with matches being hosted in the hotbeds of Colombo football, like City League Ground and Cooray Park, as well as regular rugby venues like Havelock and CR&FC, which has attracted more kids into football,” noted Renown FA President Vincent Sritharan Peeris, the organisers of the UTF League.

The UTF League will conclude with a one-day carnival at Racecourse ground and will also be expanded into other age groups, according to organisers Renown FA and Unity Through Football, their social project which is backed by several international football and social entities.

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