In an exhilarating display of youth football talent, St Anne’s High School ‘A’ (Fort) and Marwari Vidyalaya High School (Charni Road) emerged victorious in the U-16 girls and boys categories respectively at the St Sebastian HS Centenary Celebrations inter-school football championship. The closely contested matches took place on the newly-laid artificial turf at St Sebastian School in Dabul, providing a fitting stage for this grand occasion.
**A Riveting U-16 Girls Final**
In the girls’ U-16 final, the spotlight was on two teams cut from the same cloth—St Anne’s ‘A’ and St Anne’s ‘B’. The match was a gripping encounter, showcasing the depth of talent within the school. The senior team, St Anne’s ‘A’, narrowly edged out their junior counterparts by a slim 1-0 margin. The decisive goal came from the boot of striker Anushka Vijayakar, whose clinical finish proved to be the difference-maker in a tightly contested game. The victory was not just a testament to the individual brilliance of Vijayakar, but also to the cohesive teamwork and tactical discipline displayed by St Anne’s ‘A’.
**The Boys U-16 Showdown**
Later in the day, the boys’ U-16 final featured an equally thrilling contest between Marwari Vidyalaya High School and St Teresa High School from Girgaum. The match was a showcase of skill, endurance, and tactical nous. A resilient Marwari Vidyalaya side emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, courtesy of a second-half goal. Hardworking forward Parth Gohil was the hero of the day, scoring the lone and decisive goal that sealed the championship for his team. Gohil’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he was constantly a thorn in the side of the St Teresa defense.
**Other Competitions and Individual Brilliance**
Earlier in the competition, Campion School from Cooperage clinched the boys’ U-12 title with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Marwari Vidyalaya. Goals from Martin Quer and Ayaan Khan ensured a smooth path to the title for Campion School, underlining their dominance in the U-12 category.
When it came to individual accolades, the tournament also recognized outstanding performers who had left an indelible mark through their skills and contributions. In the girls U-16 category, Christine Fernandes from St Anne’s ‘A’ was named the top scorer, while Zoya Sheriffi from St Anne’s ‘B’ was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her all-around performance.
. These awards highlighted not only the talents of these young athletes but also the competitive spirit that characterized the entire tournament.
In the boys U-16 category, Ashlin Alva of Campion School took home the top scorer accolade, while Parth Gohil from Marwari Vidyalaya was deservedly honored as the MVP. Gohil’s hardworking ethos and game-winning goal in the final were critical to his recognition as the tournament’s standout player.
**Spirit of Sportsmanship and Future Stars**
The St Sebastian HS Centenary Celebrations were more than just a football tournament. They were a celebration of sportsmanship, community, and the nurturing of future stars. The newly-laid artificial turf at St Sebastian School in Dabul was a significant upgrade, providing a professional environment for the young athletes to shine. The turf’s quality played a crucial role in the fluid gameplay and high levels of skill exhibited throughout the tournament.
The games were not just about winning and losing but also about learning valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and strategic thinking. Coaches and mentors worked tirelessly behind the scenes, preparing their teams for the intense competition and ensuring that the values of fair play and respect were upheld at all times.
Parents, supporters, and alumni of the participating schools turned up in large numbers, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Their enthusiasm and support served as additional motivation for the players, making the victories even more special.
**Looking Ahead**
As the tournament concluded, the focus inevitably shifted to the future. The performances in the St Sebastian HS Centenary Celebrations have set a high benchmark for inter-school football championships in the region. Young athletes like Anushka Vijayakar, Parth Gohil, Christine Fernandes, and Zoya Sheriffi have already caught the eye of sports scouts and coaches, hinting at promising careers in football.
In conclusion, St Anne’s High School ‘A’ (Fort) and Marwari Vidyalaya High School (Charni Road) have carved their names into the annals of the St Sebastian HS Centenary Celebrations. The tournament was a grand success, and it provided a glimpse into the bright future of school football in the region.
