By Dorothy Fernandes for BIS Mumbai

With around 32 schools participating in the District Sports Office (DSO) Inter-School Football Tournament held at Virar, Mumbai on September 10, our under-14 girls showcased remarkable talent and determination. Shortly after the Under-17 team bagged 3rd place at the DSO, the Under-14 Girls Football Team of Don Bosco High School, Naigaon, once again did us proud by finishing as Runners-up in the tournament.

The tournament began with an exciting start as Don Bosco faced Ryan International School in the opening round. After a tense penalty shootout, our girls emerged victorious with a commanding 3–0 scoreline. In the next match against Metrix School, the team once again displayed remarkable skill and teamwork, securing a 2–1 win, which propelled them into the semifinals.

The semifinal clash with Yash Vidya School proved to be a nail-biting encounter. With both sides locked in a goalless draw during regular play, the match advanced to penalties. Rising to the challenge, Don Bosco triumphed 2–1 in the shootout, earning a well-deserved place in the finals.

The grand final saw Don Bosco once again take on Ryan International School. Both teams fought hard in a highly competitive match that ended goalless at full time. In the decisive penalty shootout, our girls narrowly missed the title, going down 2–1, but proudly clinched the position of Runners-up in the tournament.

Commending their performance, coach Emmanuel emphasised, “The DSO tournament is one of the most prestigious school-level sporting events, drawing participation from reputed schools across Naigaon to Virar. Our U-14 girls team played remarkably and fought their way to the finals, proving their mettle against some of the toughest competitors in the district.” The support of Fr Joaquim Fernandes, Vice Principal, Coach Emmanuel and parents played a vital role in encouraging the girls to balance academics and sports.

This memorable run to the finals is not just a victory on the field but a reminder of the values Don Bosco Naigaon stands for—discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. The U-14 girls have inspired their juniors to dream big and work hard, proving that true champions are built through effort and resilience.