FPWA keeps Football activities continued in Chillai Kalan

Srinagar, Dec 21:2011:
It may be the start of the Chillai Kalan (harsh winter months in Kashmir that ends on January 30) but for football it is beginning of a new era as activities continue in full swing at city central Polo Ground here.
Unlike past when football activities used to come to a standstill during this time of the season, this year due to the efforts of J&K Football Association (JKFA) and organisations like Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) headed by valleys star international footballer mehraj uddin wadoo, the activities continue to flourish this year.Braving sub zero temperature, footballers in shorts and half sleeve jerseys can be seen playing in competitive matches at Polo ground with enthusiasm.It is first time that competitive event has been organised by FPWA under the aegis of JKFA in Chillai Kalan
Unlike usual format of the game which is 11-A-side the format of winter football tourney is of seven-A-side and the pace is of high tempo.
Seven-A-side football is a fast-moving and fiercely competitive sport played by athletes.Each onfeild team consists of seven players; the playing field is smaller, as are the goal posts (5m by 2m); there’s no offside rule; throw-ins may be made with one hand only; and each half lasts 30 minutes. The most exciting part of shorter version of the game is that it allows teams to make non-stop continuous substitutions during the game.The event has become instant hit among the teams and each day organisers FPWA and JKFA are receiving requests for registration. Already 48 teams are participating.
“We were reluctant to start the event in this season but we are surprised with the response. We started event keeping in view that few teams will come forward for participation but already we have registered 48 teams and each day new entries are coming up,” said organising secretary of the event.
“It is not only players that have liked the event but we are also surprised with rush of spectators during matches. Each day we play four to five matches and during each match we see new bunch of spectators visiting the field,” he added.
Players have liked the event the most and the fast pace tempo of the game have been to their liking.
“The field is short and tempo of the game is very fast. You need extra bit of stamina and power in this version of the game but the continuous non-stop substitutions help to cope up with that,” said Tameem Ahmad of Iqra Sports Club.
“We love this format as in it too many goals are being scored and that keeps interest of both players and spectators intact,” he added.
About cold weather he said, “Once you are on the field you hardly feel cold and these kind of events should continue.”
Buoyed by the response JKFA is planning to organise more such events after the conclusion of current one.
“We intend to organise a couple of more events after conclusion of current one. We will surely keep football activities alive this winter in the Valley,” JKFA general secretary SA Hameed, told Greater Kashmir.