Army takes on Blue Star at Cargills Food City FA Cup final today

Saturday, 22 February 2014 08:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cargills-FFSL partnership readies to transform Sri Lanka Football

Army and Blue Star will be in pursuit of the handsome new Cargills Food City FA Cup trophy, as the FA Cup final is worked off today at the Sugathadasa stadium from 7 p.m. onwards. The new Cargills Food City FA Cup unveiled last week at a glittering ceremony at Football House awaits today’s champions. The trophy, modelled on the lines of the famous English FA CUP but with oriental motifs, typifies the intrinsic value added to this prestigious award. Army, the table leaders of the champions’ League Group A, had a tough time on their way to the Final, taking on the table leader of

the Champions league Colombo FC. In the other Cargills Food City FA Cup semifinal, Blue Stars from Kalutara had a clear advantage over the Sailors but it was a close call to victory. The Cargills Food City association with the FA Cup comes as part of the alliance between Cargills (Ceylon) PLC and the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL). This long-term partnership signifies a clear commitment from Cargills to transform the game of Football in Sri Lanka towards greater heights. Cargills Foods Company Chief Executive Officer Sidath Kodikara emphasised the need for FFSL to look outside the box to bring victory to Sri Lanka in the world stage and rally the general public behind this sport. “Through our relationship with the Football Federation of Sri Lanka and we would strive to build a new generation of outstanding Football players. This is a journey that Cargills has committed to partner in the long term, to help bring national football to the forefront,” he said. He added that the Cargills Food City FA CUP has brought Sri Lanka’s emerging young talent to the forefront which this partnership hopes to nurture and prepare to represent Sri Lanka in future international competitions. Cargills has also emphasised the development at the primary level with the FIFA Grassroots program. At the youth level, Cargills will also sponsor the Schools U 19 Knock-Out Championship in 2014 and reinvigorate the natural feeder pools to the national level playing squads. Women’s Competitions, Beach and FUTSAL programs are all covered by the Cargills partnership, underlining its comprehensive role in promoting the game throughout the island.