Western India Football Association-(WIFA) 4.74

The Western India Football Association was came into existence on 12th July, 1911. This does not mean that there was no football in Bombay-Organised and competitive-before that. In fact the second oldest Tournament in the country- the Rovers – was inaugurated in this city as far back as 1891.

Some British soccer enthusiasts got together in 1890, formed the Rovers Club, and brought into being this Tournament. The Trophy, however, took shape in the following year. Half dozen teams-mostly Military-took part in the competition, and the 1st Battn, Worcester Regiment had the proud distinction of winning the Cup in the first year of its inception. It is noted that one Mr. C. W. Lauder, Sailor’s Home, Bombay was the Joint Honorary Secretary of the Rovers Cup Committee.

In the year 1911, the two bodies, the old Rovers running the Rovers Cup and the B.F.A. managing the League were amalgamated and the Western India Football Association was established. Hon. Mr. Justice Russell, President of the Rovers was elected its President and Mr. P. R. Cadell, President of the League, its Vice President. The respective Secretaries, Mr. F. Hogan and Mr. Linn, became its Joint. Hon. Secretaries. Both Mr. Justice Russell and Mr. Hogan appear to have been connected with the organisation of football in Bombay since 1902 in their respective capacities. Evidently they were the real backbone of soccer in our City in its early days. But for their joint valiant efforts in its primary stage, and it was not known if there had been any Organised football prior to World War. If so it should be remembered.

Now it is on record that from the earliest days Cooperage has been the Chief venue of football in Bombay. Not only soccer and rugger but hockey tournaments like Aga Khan Cup were staged there. Only during the Rovers Cup temporary stands were put up on the Western side of the ground. Other sides were kept open. During the league the playing field was roped in and a few chairs were placed in the west at a nominal charge of four annas. The side attraction for the spectators was a bar at the Bandstand corner which was well-patronised by the rival teams and their supporters to finish their argument on the days game.

The Nadkarni Cup was presented by Nadkarni and Co., Sports good dealers in 1908. It was a monopoly of the St.Mary High School since its inception till it became dormant in 1915. There were barely half a dozen School teams-St.Mary’s putting up two –to compete in this tournament.

Harwood League had two divisions in 1914. The Indian teams to figure –both in the second division was Bengal United, Instituto Luso, Indian.