7-a-side Football Tournament at DBYC Shirva
By Fr Kiran Nazareth SDB, Pics by Floyd D’Souza, Shirva
Udupi: The Shirva Football Club emerged winners after defeating Don Bosco Youth Centre via the tie-breaker in a dawn to dusk 7-a-side football tournament held at Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC), Shirva organised by BUS (Bosco Uth Shirva). In all, eighteen teams from the Udupi-Mangalore region participated in the tournament.
The eventful day began with a prayer, followed by the inauguration of the tournament at the hands of Advocate and ZP member Wilson Rodrigues.
The matches kicked off at 9:30 am with some energetic football on display. The rain, the slushy ground conditions and the boisterous cheers made for an entertaining spectacle.
In the finals, Don Bosco Youth Centre dominated the proceedings with some crisp passing and good moves but lacked the finishing touches. Shirva Football Club also tried to make some inroads with their striker Sinson making some speedy runs on the right flank. Both the teams locked goalless at the final whistle and the consequent tie-breaker proved a heartbreak for D.B.Y.C as Shirva F.C emerged victorious.
The former received Rs 6000 and a trophy while the winners Shirva F.C. walked away with a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a glittering trophy. Simson of Shirva FC won the best striker award scoring four goals while Prathap of DBYC won the best goalkeeper award keeping a clean sheet throughout the tournament.
Industrialist Ronald Manohar was the Chief Guest while Neil Quadros was the guest of honour. Valentino, the president of BUS, delivered the vote of thanks.
The members of BUS group worked hard in the days running up to the tournament. They planned and executed their tasks to a T, guided by their dynamic animator Fr Kiran Nazareth SDB and the Rector, Fr Felix Serrao SDB.
In the recent past, the ‘Bosco Cup’ has been attracting an increasing number of youth making it a much sought after event.