MUMBAI: Football when cricket mania is at its peak! ESPN-Star Sports (ESS) initiative that gives Mumbai kids the opportunity to mimic the likes of David Beckham and Michael Owen reached its grand finale and received an enthusiastic response from children.

St. Francis School won the inaugural ESPN Premier League Junior Trophy by beating Holy Family 1-0 at Mumbai's RCF Sports Club. ESPN Software associate director Arun Podar, the chief guest for the grande finale, presented the trophy to the victorious soccer players.

Savio D'Souza, who was adjudged the "most promising player of the tournament" scored the winning goal for St. Francis in the 32nd minute. Avinash Rathi from the same school won the "best goalkeeper" award; Elvis Mendes won the "best defender" award ; Ryan D'Souza won the "best mid-fielder" award.

Cathedral & John Connon beat St. Mary's School 7-1 to bag the third place. Kaarl Patrawal of Cathedral & John Connon won the "best forward" award.

Sixteen Mumbai school teams vie for EPL Junior Cup