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The Western India Football Association (WIFA) proudly celebrated the achievements and contributions of individuals, coaches, players, referees, districts and clubs at the WIFA Awards 2025–26, recognising their dedication and commitment towards the development and growth of football across Maharashtra.
The awards honoured outstanding contributions to football administration, grassroots development, coaching, player performances, refereeing and district-level football promotion, while also recognising the champions and runners-up of various Maharashtra State Youth Club League and Senior Club League competitions.
WIFA Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Lifetime Achievement Awards recognised individuals whose contributions have played an important role in the growth and development of football.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sanman Puraskar (Administrator Category): Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj
Special Recognition/Patron: Praveensingh Pardeshi
Rajmata Jijau Football Vikas Puraskar (Grassroots & Community Building): Jaydeep Angirwal
WIFA Distinguished Service Award: Souter Vaz
WIFA Individual Category Awards – Coaches
Recognising the coaches who have made significant contributions to nurturing football talent and developing the game across different age groups and categories.
Coach of the Year (Senior Women): Julekha Bijali
Coach of the Year (Senior Men): Clinton D’Souza
Coach of the Year (Youth – Girls): Kirti Patil
Coach of the Year (Youth – Boys): Hemant Pawale
WIFA Individual Category Awards – Players
The Player of the Year awards celebrated exceptional performances and achievements by footballers representing Maharashtra at various levels.
Best Player of the Year (Senior Women): Sumaiya Shaikh
Best Player of the Year (Senior Men): Zeeshan Akhter
Best Player of the Year (Youth – Girls): Aysha Ajay Sartape
Best Player of the Year (Youth – Boys): Viraj Arora
WIFA Individual Category Awards – Referees
Acknowledging the important role of match officials in maintaining the standards and integrity of the game, WIFA recognised the following referees:
Referee of the Year (Women): Komal Kamble
Referee of the Year (Men): Shubham Bire
WIFA District Awards
District football associations continue to play a crucial role in expanding the reach of football and providing opportunities to players across Maharashtra.
The following districts were recognised for their contributions during the 2025–26 season:
District Promoting Football Through Tournaments: Dhule District Football Association (Dhule DFA)
Top Performing District in WIFA Competitions 2025–26: Mumbai Football Association (Mumbai F.A.)
WIFA MSYL & Senior League Awards
WIFA also honoured the clubs that delivered outstanding performances in the Maharashtra State Youth Club League (MSYL) and Senior Club League competitions during the 2025–26 season.
Maharashtra State Youth Club League – Sub Junior Girls
Champions: CFCI
Runners-up: Mumbai Knights FC
Maharashtra State Youth Club League – Sub Junior Boys
Champions: Buldana Football Academy
Runners-up: CFCI
Maharashtra State Youth Club League – Junior Girls
Champions: KMP Aspire FC
Runners-up: UKM Kothrud FC
Maharashtra State Youth Club League – Junior Boys
Champions: Thane City FC
Runners-up: Sporting Club De Thane
Maharashtra State Youth Club League – U-17 Elite Boys
Champions: Sports Mania
Runners-up: CFCI
Maharashtra State Senior Women’s Club League
Champions: Krida Prabhodhini Academy
Runners-up: SC Bacaim
Maharashtra State Senior Men’s Club League
Champions: Game Of Goals FC
Runners-up: India On Track FC
Celebrating Maharashtra Football
The WIFA Awards 2025–26 reflected the collective efforts of administrators, coaches, players, referees, district associations and clubs in strengthening the football ecosystem across Maharashtra.
From recognising distinguished contributions to celebrating emerging talent and championship-winning performances, the awards highlighted the passion, commitment and dedication that continue to drive the sport forward.
WIFA congratulates all the award winners, champions and runners-up for their achievements and extends its best wishes for continued success in their football journey.
Together, let us continue to build a stronger future for Maharashtra Football!
