The atmosphere was electric at the St Sebastian High School’s recently inaugurated artificial turf in Dabul as the highly anticipated St Sebastian HS Centenary Celebrations inter-school football championship reached its thrilling conclusion. The tournament saw impressive participation from various schools, but it was St Anne’s High School ‘A’ (Fort) and Marwari Vidyalaya High School (Charni Road) who emerged as the ultimate champions in the U-16 girls and boys categories, respectively.
In an intense and closely contested girls’ U-16 final, St Anne’s ‘A’ triumphed over their junior team St. Anne’s ‘B’ with a narrow 1-0 victory, securing the coveted title. The only goal of the match came from the talented striker, Anushka Vijayakar, who seized a moment of opportunity to score the all-important winner. Her goal was the culmination of tireless effort and strategic play, which ultimately made the difference in a match characterized by tight defense and fierce competition.
Later in the day, the boys’ U-16 final saw a spirited Marwari Vidyalaya side clashing with St Teresa High School (Girgaum). Both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination, but it was Marwari Vidyalaya who prevailed with a 1-0 win, thanks to a match-winning performance by hardworking forward Parth Gohil. Gohil’s goal came in the second half, sealing the fate of the match and bringing the U-16 boys’ title to Marwari Vidyalaya.
The tournament did not just see competitive clashes but also celebrated individual talents through various awards. Christine Fernandes from St. Anne’s ‘A’ emerged as the top scorer in the girls’ U-16 category, showcasing her goal-scoring prowess throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Zoya Sheriffi from St. Anne’s ‘B’ was honored as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the girls’ category for her all-around performance and leadership on the field.
In the U-16 boys’ category, Ashlin Alva of Campion School stood out as the top goal scorer, while the MVP award went to Parth Gohil of Marwari Vidyalaya, who played a crucial role not only in the final but throughout the tournament. Gohil’s consistent performance, marked by his decisive goal in the final, earned him this prestigious accolade.
.
The action-packed event also featured an exciting U-12 boys’ final earlier in the day. Campion School (Cooperage) showcased their young talents with a commanding 2-0 win over Marwari Vidyalaya in the U-12 final. Goals from Martin Quer and Ayaan Khan ensured a smooth victory for Campion, highlighting the promising future stars of school-level football.
The St Sebastian Centenary Celebrations inter-school football championship was more than just a series of matches; it was a festival of sportsmanship, teamwork, and youth talent. The newly-laid artificial turf at St Sebastian’s provided an excellent venue for the games, enhancing the players’ experience and bringing a professional edge to school-level football. The event was marked by not just competition, but also camaraderie among schools and athletes.
Parents, teachers, and students from participating schools turned the venue into a vibrant carnival, cheering passionately for their respective teams. The energy on the sidelines was palpable, with supporters waving flags and chanting slogans, adding to the excitement and competitive spirit of the championship.
This tournament was a testament to the substantial talent present in Mumbai’s school football. The close matches and standout individual performances indicated that the future of Indian football has a solid foundation at the grassroots level. With tournaments like these, opportunities are provided for young athletes to shine and propel themselves toward potentially greater heights in the sport.
The champions, St Anne’s ‘A’ girls, and Marwari Vidyalaya boys, showcased not only their football skills but also their resilience, determination, and team spirit – qualities that are essential in both sports and life. Their victories in the St Sebastian U-16 football titles were well-deserved and a reflection of their hard work over the season.
In conclusion, the St Sebastian HS Centenary Celebrations inter-school football championship was both a fitting tribute to a century of educational excellence and a beacon of promising talent in youth sports. With memorable moments and deserving champions, the tournament successfully brought together the community to celebrate sport in its true spirit.
