Footballers Protest BMC Plan to Convert Bandra's Neville D'Souza Ground
Hundreds of footballers, coaches, parents, and supporters gathered at the Neville D'Souza Football Ground in Bandra on Sunday to protest against a proposal to convert the ground into a convention-cum-exhibition centre. Protesters warned that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's push to clear the redevelopment would eliminate one of the city's few accessible football grounds and impact thousands of players.
The ground, which has been operational since 2018, hosts training, school tournaments, and league matches from 6 a.m. until late at night. Nigel Neville D'Souza, son of the prominent Indian footballer Neville D'Souza, said approximately 14,000 people from age five onwards use the ground for competitive matches and practice.
Coaches at the demonstration said losing the facility would disrupt training schedules and leave clubs uncertain about where to operate. Rajkumar Ashappa, head coach of Rafa Football Academy and Mumbai Warriors FC, noted that he trains between 100 and 200 players weekly across multiple age brackets. While officials informed football groups that an alternative ground would be arranged, Mr. Ashappa said no details regarding its location or availability timeline were shared.
Vishal Rathod, a senior coach with MSB Academy and the IOT club, stated that the uncertainty has disrupted preparations for the upcoming season and questioned the necessity of building another convention facility in the area. Young footballers also expressed concern over their sporting futures. Fifteen-year-old Waseem Yasin Khan of BFC Neville Boys questioned where athletes would train, while fellow player Deep Harmalkar, 15, noted that traveling long distances for Division Two matches would create hurdles for young competitors.
The Mumbai Football Association (MFA) registered its opposition to the plan, with vice-president Nasir Hussain highlighting Mumbai's existing shortage of football grounds. Former India goalkeeper and Real Kashmir goalkeeping coach Mohammed Yusuf Ansari also attended the demonstration, appealing to authorities to safeguard the space for young players.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MFA president Aaditya Thackeray joined the protest, alleging that open spaces and sports grounds across Bandra are being privatised. Protesters reiterated their demand that the Neville D'Souza ground be preserved to protect local football infrastructure.
