In a series of riveting matches that showcased the finest in school-level football talent, St Anne’s High School ‘A’ (Fort) and Marwari Vidyalaya High School (Charni Road) emerged as champions in both the U-16 girls and boys categories, respectively, at the St Sebastian HS Centenary Celebrations inter-school football championship. The tournament took place on the newly-laid artificial turf at St Sebastian School in Dabul, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of supporters and schoolmates.
The girls’ U-16 final proved to be a tightly contested affair. St Anne’s ‘A’ team managed to edge out their junior counterpart, St Anne’s ‘B’, with a slender 1-0 victory. The decisive moment of the match came when striker Anushka Vijayakar, demonstrating exceptional skill and composure, netted the critical goal that would eventually seal the win for her team. The match was intense, with both teams displaying remarkable levels of stamina and strategy, but it was St Anne’s ‘A’ that ultimately came out on top.
This victory was a testament to the rigorous training and teamwork displayed by the St Anne’s ‘A’ team. Coach Priya Nair, who has been mentoring the girls for the past two years, expressed immense pride in her team’s performance. “Every girl on this team has worked incredibly hard to get here. Their dedication and passion for the game have paid off today,” Nair remarked. The team’s captain, Sarah D’Souza, who has been a part of the squad since her freshman year, praised her teammates for their unwavering support and coordinated gameplay.
On the boys’ front, the U-16 final was equally thrilling. Marwari Vidyalaya High School locked horns with St Teresa High School (Girgaum) in a match that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats until the very end. The deadlock was broken in the second half when forward Parth Gohil, known for his relentless energy and sharp attacking prowess, found the back of the net. This lone goal was enough to clinch the title for Marwari Vidyalaya, who exhibited a spirited and determined performance throughout the match.
Parth Gohil’s contribution did not go unnoticed, as he was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the boys’ U-16 category for his outstanding performance during the tournament.
. His coach, Rajesh Patel, commented, “Parth is a dynamic player with a keen sense of the game. His goal today was a result of sheer effort and skill, reflecting his potential to reach even greater heights in football.” The triumph brought immense joy and pride to the team and their supporters, who cheered ardently from the stands.
The excitement at the event wasn’t limited to the U-16 categories. Earlier, the boys U-12 final saw Campion School (Cooperage) face off against Marwari Vidyalaya. Campion School emerged victorious with a comfortable 2-0 win, thanks to excellent goals by Martin Quer and Ayaan Khan. This win added another feather to Campion School’s cap, known for their robust football training programs.
In addition to the team trophies, individual accolades were also announced to celebrate outstanding performances. Christine Fernandes of St Anne’s ‘A’ was recognized as the Top Scorer in the girls’ U-16 category, while Zoya Sheriffi from St Anne’s ‘B’ was honored as the Most Valuable Player. In the boys’ U-16 category, aside from Parth Gohil securing the MVP title, the Top Goal Scorer award went to Ashlin Alva of Campion School for his exemplary performance.
The St Sebastian HS Centenary Celebrations inter-school football championship highlighted the rising talent and passion for football among young athletes. It also underscored the importance of sports in fostering teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship among students. The newly-laid artificial turf at St Sebastian School provided an excellent playing environment, and the successful completion of the tournament was a promising sign of more such events to come.
As the teams celebrated their victories and posed for photographs with their hard-earned trophies, the sense of achievement and camaraderie was palpable. The tournament not only offered a platform for competitive sport but also brought together various schools in a spirit of healthy rivalry and mutual respect. The event has set a high benchmark for school-level football tournaments and promises to inspire many more young athletes to pursue their passion for the sport.
