The Cathedral and John Connon School of Mumbai today won the finals of adidas FC Bayern Youth Cup India 2016, an under-16 seven-a-side inter-school football tournament, here today.
Eight schools from Mumbai, New Delhi(NCR) and Bengaluru qualified for the national finals and faced each other over the last two days for the coveted trip to Munich, Germany, out of which The Cathedral and John Connon School emerged as the champion of the India finals winning a cut-throat competition against Nalanda Public school (Delhi).
The final game went into extra time, after remaining goalless during regular time, which also resulted in a 0-0 score.
The road to Munich was then decided by penalty shootouts in which Cathedral's Rishi Kothari sealed their destiny to represent the country at the World finals in Munich in May.
The players from winning school team will not only get a chance to participate at the world finals in Munich in May, but will also get to watch a Bundesliga match at the iconic Allianz Arena where only professionals are allowed to play, except those who qualify for the Bayern World Youth Cup world finals.
The preliminary matches were conducted in all three cities from January 23-31 and the tournament saw more than 2,000 talented players showcase their skills.
Akshunna Tyagi from Nalanda Public School bagged the title Player of the Delhi NCR Leg, Krish from St. Lawrence, Mumbai secured the title for Player of the Mumbai Leg and Mundhiir from Treamis World School made its school proud by becoming the Player of the Bengaluru Leg.
Former German World Cup winner and Bayern Munich Legend, Paul Breitner, who had flow in from his country to witness the semi finals and final, said "I have been associated with this tournament earlier as well, and this school kids remind me of my times.
"FC Bayern Youth Cup India 2016 is an opportunity as well as platform for these kids to show their talent and establish their career in football.
