by Father Leon Cruz Ratinam for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Youth Services [DBYS] Mumbai organized the 'Salesian Youth Cup' for the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) of Mumbai region on 10 October 2021. The day began with a prayer service and the oath was recited by all the players who committed to a game of truthfulness, honesty and good team spirit throughout the day. A neutral professional team of 'deciding committee' was invited to ensure fair play. A total of 16 SYM teams participated with the format being 5+3 where 02 girls on field were compulsory at all times. The league match fixtures were decided by lots that took place days in advance before the event. The game duration was 16 minutes each. There were two games happening simultaneously on the turfs.

There was great youthful enthusiasm seen during the entire day as the teams gave a tough competition. Towards the end, St.Dominic Savio Andheri and Don Bosco Nerul were the teams that qualified for the finals. From the start of the day until the final match these teams had given an extremely amazing competition. The finals ended with no team scoring a single goal as they played extremely well in defending themselves against a goal and the result was declared by a knockout round. St. Dominic Savio Andheri came out victorious as winners and Don Bosco, Nerul were the Runners Up. The best male player award went to Pradeep from Don Bosco Nerul and the best female player award went to Simone from St. Dominic Savio Andheri.

To conclude the ceremony, MumbaiSalesians' Provincial Father Savio Silveira, gave the youth a beautiful message on life and football and appreciated the DBYS youth for making this event a success. The DBYS youth also performed a dance on the Salesian Youth Movement song. The 'Salesian Youth Cup' was a moment of get-together for the SYM of the Mumbai region. The youth carried back with them the Salesian Spirit.