"BUSY TIMES AHEAD"

Another two eventful months have passed and it is time for another issue. A lot has been happening at the association and for me as well during this time. Firstly my wife Madhuri gave birth to the new addition to our family, our daughter Samara, on 25th October 2011. 

The Indian Football Awards was held again this year on the 26th of September 2011. This was the 3rd edition and we chose to coincide it with the Federation Cup so as many players from out of Kolkata could attend. Unfortunately I could not make it myself as I was due to arrive in the afternoon from Bagdogra but all flights that afternoon were cancelled leaving Renedy and myself stranded at the airport with no way to make it to Kolkata on time. 

The night at the ITC Sonar was however very glamorous and successful as we had a mixed turnout of celebrities from Tollywood, sports world, owners and managers of football clubs in India. I thank all those who contributed towards the awards in any capacity and special mention to our title sponsors Mc Dowells and Co Sponsors TransStadia. A hearty congratulation to all the winners and you can see the coverage later in this issue.

We have already seen the Federation Cup being won by Salgaocar and the Durand Cup by Churchill Brothers so both of the opening titles of the season went to clubs from Goa. This year the I-League is very competitive with all the three big clubs from Kolkata having good teams and the Goan clubs as usual remaining consistent and organized as ever. Each team has a strength such as Pailan Arrows counting on fitness and fighting spirit of their young team. Dempo seem to be the runaway leaders at this stage but the league is still at a very early stage so we have to wait and watch as to what happens next. 

In November we also conducted the Annual General Meeting where important advice was given to players while accounts and plans for the previous year and the year to come were presented. If anyone does have any question about anything please do let us know and we will answer your questions. Full coverage is given later in this issue so please go through it.

It is with great pleasure that I would like to announce that FIFPro Asia (The Asian Division for the World Player Body FIFPro) will for the first time be having its Annual Meeting and conference in Goa, India. This will be held in end April to early May 2011 in conjunction with the conclusion of the I-League. We will also be having the next edition of the Indian Football Awards in Goa to be held at the Marriott Hotel just after the conclusion of the I-League. It is the first time it will be held in Goa so hopefully players in this football loving state with turn out in large numbers. 

The next few months are busy for Indian Football. The SAFF Championship coming up in New Delhi right now, the I-League, I-League 2nd Division due to commence in January and IFA Shield in February  there is loads to look forward to. Hope everyone is working hard and at the same time trying to keep fit for the season by doing proper recovery work after matches. If there is anything we can help you with please let the office know. We look forward to your continued cooperation and contribution with pictures, articles, interviews and anything else that you would like to contribute.