By Mrs Pooja Nevis for BISMumbai

The Salesian Parish of Mary Help of Christians, Naigaon, hosted a riveting five-a-side competition featuring 16 teams on 25 June 2023. SC Bacaim outplayed Funksters to clinch a 4-2 victory in the finals of a wonderful competitive competition organised by the MHOC Youth Group.

Sixteen teams from across the neighbourhood and its outskirts participated in this tournament. Mr Melwyn Sequeira, Trustee and Principal of Our Lady of Vailankanni School and Orchid International School, was the principal sponsor, while Mrs Laura Fernandes, in memory of Mr Humphrey Fernandes, contributed towards the event. 

“We’ve had a turnout of more than 300 youngsters, and it’s been a fantastic experience to work with the Youth Group to help put this tournament together. It’s great to see so many teams come together from diverse groups, not just from the neighbourhood but also from Mumbai,” said Mr Ivo Monteiro, Vice President of the Youth Wing of MHOC.

The tournament commenced at 10:30 a.m. with an opening prayer and welcome address by Fr Joaquim Fernandes.  In his speech, he said, “Sports teach us values of teambuilding, equality, discipline, perseverance, and respect; it teaches us to win and lose with respect and dignity. It keeps us physically and mentally fit.” During the opening ceremony, Fr Dominic Martis, the Parish Priest, kicked the ball towards the goal and thus inaugurated the tournament. 

The spectators from all sides cheered their teams and were enthusiastic. The referees, Mr Suresh Yadav and Mr John Pereira conducted the tournament with fairness and tact.  

Trophies and cash prizes were presented by Fr Fernandes to the winning team SC Bacaim from Vasai and the runners-up team Funksters from Naigaon. Individual trophies were awarded to the best goal keeper of the tournament, the best player of the tournament, and the top scorer of the tournament.

Mitchel Silva, the Player of the Tournament, remarked, “I must say that I have the best team with me. The share of this victory goes to each one of them since it is teamwork that makes us succeed in life.”

Karan Vijay Kumar, team captain of SC Bacaim, immediately after winning the tournament, was attending his online classes on the playfield. He said. “I have completed my Graduation studies, and I am very passionate about football and coaching a school team. That’s my active income, and my online class on stock markets, which I am attending, will give me a passive income as I start investing my savings for a better future. I am indeed very happy with my team, they gave their best to win this tournament.” 

The football tournament at MHOC, Naigoan, was so much more than just games. It was more about passion, teamwork and the joy of the beautiful game - football.