Bombay Ballers Football Tournament: FC Cecilians Win U-16 Title

The second season of the Bombay Ballers Football Tournament brought Skyturf in Inspire Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to life with two days of thrilling football action. Organized by 16-year-old Om Yakhmi, the two-day tournament, held in late December, united 32 teams in two independent age group tournaments (14 and above), marking a significant milestone in Mumbai's grassroots football scene.

FC Cecilians won in the older age group (2007-08), and FC Fair & Lovely emerged as champions in the younger age group (2009-10). These teams’ exceptional performances capped off a remarkable event, underscoring the talent and potential within Mumbai's young football community.

“We’re thrilled by the turnout and the enthusiasm from all participants,” said Om Yakhmi, the driving force behind the Bombay Ballers tournament.

“The success of our first season inspired us to plan this second edition, and it’s amazing to see how much love there is for football in our community, especially during the festive season. It gives us great pride to continue our tradition of giving back, as a portion of the proceeds from this tournament will be donated to the Nina Foundation, which supports individuals with spinal cord injuries.”

This year’s tournament saw an ongoing partnership with the Nina Foundation, an NGO led by Ketna L. Mehta, dedicated to rehabilitating individuals with spinal cord injuries. A portion of the tournament's proceeds will be donated to the foundation, showcasing Om's commitment to making a meaningful difference.

“We are delighted to continue our association with the Bombay Ballers tournament,” said Dr. Mehta. “Om’s leadership, the community spirit, and the enthusiasm displayed at this event align perfectly with our mission to improve the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries. This partnership is a powerful example of how sports can unite people for a greater cause.”

Ivaan Lakhani, co-organiser and close friend of Om, added, “It’s been gratifying to watch these young players showcase their talents with such passion. Our goal was to provide a platform where footballers can compete and have fun, and seeing the community come together like this has been truly inspiring.”