Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada Football Association (DKFA) has initiated efforts to establish Mangaluru’s first women’s football club, with discussions underway to identify a coach and secure financial backing for the proposed team.DKFA president DM Aslam said the association was encouraged by the growing participation of girls in district football competitions and believes the region has sufficient talent to field a competitive women’s side. However, the project remains in the planning stage, with the association searching for a suitable coach and a sponsor or owner willing to support the team’s operations.“We have spoken to several players and collected their details. The girls are ready. What we need now is the right support system,” Aslam said.The move comes amid a football boom in the district. The association’s annual Independence Cup this year recorded its highest-ever participation, with 316 teams taking part, making it the largest edition of tournament so far. The number of participating teams has steadily increased over the years, rising from 211 in 2021 to 218 in 2022, 219 in 2023, 223 in 2024, 231 in 2025 and 316 this year.The tournament, which was held over nearly 25 days, featured teams from higher primary schools, high schools, PU colleges and degree colleges across the district. According to Aslam, girls’ football is witnessing encouraging growth, with 10 teams participating in the combined PU and degree college women’s category this year. The district also saw participation from nine higher primary girls’ teams and 17 high school girls’ teams.The district has a strong football base, with more than 4,000 players participating through 108 school teams. Aslam said talented players are identified by football clubs and recruited to represent them in league competitions. At present, the district has 24 registered football clubs competing in leagues.He said Mangaluru now has infrastructure capable of hosting major matches and that the association has approached football authorities seeking allocation of fixtures to the district whenever opportunities arise. The club matches are expected to begin towards the end of Dec.Independence Cup winnersHigher Primary Girls: St Joseph Joyland School, Kolya (winners), Mount Carmel School, Maryhill (runners-up)Higher Primary Boys: Govt Higher Primary School, Kasba Bengre (winners), The Sirath School (runners-up)High School Girls: Nitte School, Karkala (winners), Manipal School (runners-up)High School Boys: Falah English Medium School, K.C. Road (winners), Govt High School, Kasba Bengre (runners-up)Degree College Girls: Nitte College (winners), St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor (runners-up)PU College: Yenepoya PU College (winners), St Aloysius PU College (runners-up)Degree College: Yenepoya College A (winners), St Aloysius College (runners-up)
