In a thrilling display of youthful sporting excellence, St Anne’s High School ‘A’ (Fort) and Marwari Vidyalaya High School (Charni Road) secured the Under-16 girls and boys championship titles, respectively, in the highly anticipated St Sebastian High School Centenary Celebrations inter-school football tournament. The matches were held recently on the newly-laid artificial turf at St Sebastian High School in Dabul, drawing attention and excitement from the local community.
The competition saw a blend of skill, perseverance, and teamwork as young athletes demonstrated their prowess on the field. The crowning moment of the tournament was the girls’ Under-16 final, where St Anne’s ‘A’ edged out their junior counterparts, St Anne’s ‘B’, by a slim 1-0 margin. The decisive goal came from the talented striker Anushka Vijayakar, whose critical shot carved her name into the annals of her school’s sporting history.
Following the nail-biting girls’ final, the boys’ Under-16 summit clash witnessed an equally captivating showdown. Marwari Vidyalaya High School emerged victorious with a 1-0 win against St Teresa High School (Girgaum). The match remained goal-less in the first half, but Marwari Vidyalaya’s persistent efforts were rewarded in the second half when forward Parth Gohil found the back of the net, ensuring his team’s victory. Parth Gohil’s performance on the field was exemplary, earning him accolades and recognition.
Amid the celebration of the senior categories, the younger boys also showcased their talents. The Under-12 boys’ title was clinched by Campion School (Cooperage) in a comfortable 2-0 victory over Marwari Vidyalaya. With goals from Martin Quer and Ayaan Khan, Campion School demonstrated their dominance and left a lasting impression on the spectators.
In addition to the team trophies, several individual awards were presented to recognize outstanding players in both categories. Christine Fernandes from St. Anne’s ‘A’ was awarded the Top Scorer of the U-16 girls category, while Zoya Sheriff of St.
. Anne’s ‘B’ was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the same category. For the boys, Ashlin Alva from Campion School stood out as the Top Goal Scorer in the Under-16 category, and the hardworking Parth Gohil from Marwari Vidyalaya was deservedly named the MVP for the boys’ Under-16.
This remarkable event, organized against the backdrop of St Sebastian High School’s centennial celebrations, was a significant milestone for participants and supporters alike. The newly-laid artificial turf provided a state-of-the-art venue that enhanced the players’ performances and ensured a memorable experience for everyone involved.
The matches ignited intense rivalries and fostered camaraderie among the participants. Coaches and school communities rallied around their young athletes, motivating them and providing unwavering support. The passion and enthusiasm exhibited by the young footballers were palpable, reflecting their dedication to the sport and their schools’ athletic programs.
The tournament also emphasized the importance of sports in fostering teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition among students. Such events provide a platform for young athletes to hone their skills, gain valuable experience, and showcase their talent to a wider audience.
Looking ahead, the success of this tournament sets a high standard for future inter-school competitions. The athletic talent displayed at the event hints at a promising future for these young athletes, who may go on to achieve greater heights in their sporting careers. The dedication and hard work of the players, combined with the support from their schools and communities, underscore the vital role that school sports play in youth development.
St Anne’s High School ‘A’ and Marwari Vidyalaya High School can take immense pride in their achievements. Their victories at the St Sebastian HS Centenary Celebrations inter-school football championship highlight the competitive spirit and sporting excellence that thrives in the local school sports scene. As the final whistle blew and the trophies were lifted, it was clear that these young champions had not only won matches but also hearts, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork.
