Maha-Deva Project Launched Under CM Fadnavis’ Leadership to Boost Youth Football Development

A comprehensive grassroots football programme has been highlighted in Maharashtra after a formal partnership was executed between key state departments and institutional stakeholders. The initiative, which has been set into motion under the supervision of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has been positioned as a major reform in school-level sports development. Through this collaboration, a unified plan has been established to enhance infrastructure, improve training quality, and identify talented young footballers across the state.

As part of the outreach strategy, Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff has been appointed as the brand ambassador. His involvement has been viewed as an effort to expand engagement among school-going children and enhance the visibility of the programme. His association has been aligned with the initiative’s intention to create stronger youth participation and a positive sporting culture.

A key emphasis of the programme has been placed on ensuring that children from rural regions are offered wider opportunities. The Chief Minister’s statement on social media has been referenced in this regard, where it was expressed that talented boys and girls across Maharashtra would be identified and provided structured support. It was further outlined that selections would be conducted through the scouting network of the Western India Football Association, through which 30 boys and 30 girls would ultimately be chosen for long-term technical training and educational assistance.

The strategy has been centred on Project Mahadeva, which has been launched for under-13 footballers. A three-tier trial system has been designed, beginning with district-level participation, followed by regional examinations, and concluding with a final selection camp. The final phase has been planned at two major grounds—CIDCO Ground in Kharghar for boys and WIFA Cooperage in Mumbai for girls. From these groups, 30 boys and 30 girls will be awarded five-year scholarships intended to cover both academics and professional football coaching.

One of the most notable features of the programme has been the confirmation of an exclusive football clinic with global icon Lionel Messi, scheduled to be conducted in Mumbai on December 14. This opportunity has been presented as a motivational milestone for the selected children. The project has been supported jointly by MITRA, the Department of Sports, WIFA, CIDCO, and VSTF, thereby ensuring institutional backing for large-scale grassroots development. Announcements released from Thane district have detailed that local trials will be held on November 1 and 2 at the Yashwantrao Chavan Football Ground in Nerul. Registration deadlines, eligibility restrictions, and document requirements have been clearly specified to ensure transparency in the selection process.

It has been stated that the top 20 performers in each district will be advanced to the regional round. The initiative has been described by District Sports Officer Suvarna Bartakke as a transformative effort aimed at shaping the next generation of footballers in Maharashtra.