More than 1000 kids showcase their soccer skills
View(s):It was a grand spectacle at St. Joseph’s College ground, where 1800 kids from all over Sri Lanka showcased their soccer skills at the 4th Josephian Futsal Soccer Championships organized by the Soccer Advisory Committee recently.
It was a refreshing site to see so many children showing their interest in the game which has gone down in the last decade. The success of the game could be gauged by the fact that more than 5000 spectators turned up to enjoy the soccer skills of the future stars of football in Sri Lanka.
Rekindling the interest in soccer at school level is a must if the standard of the game is to raised and in this regard the endeavour of St. Joseph’s College, supported by the Rector Reverend Sylvester Ranasinghe should be appreciated by soccer lovers and administrators of the game in this country.
It was truly a national event as more than 40 schools from all the provinces as well as international schools were present to participate in the tournament.
Traditional football schools like Zahira, St. Bendict’s and St. Joseph’s showcased their talents. However, what was most impressive were the performances of the outstation schools like Joseph Vaz, St. Henry’s, Illavali and Dharmarajah, Kandy.
The general opinion of the coaches and past soccerites who Were present at the tournament was that the standard of the players has gone up this year as they displayed excellent ball control, passing and shooting skill. This augurs well for the future of local football, but the challenge is retaining these youngsters to continue to play the game after leaving school. For this purpose more corporate sponsors should come forward to support events like this if Sri Lanka is to excel in this sport even at Asian level.. Cup, Bowl, Plate and Saucer Trophies were awarded to the under 13, 15, 17 and 19 age groups, while groups participating in the under 10 and 11 age groups, received medals.
Results:
Under 19: Cup – St. Joseph’s College, Colombo. Plate – De Mazenod College. Bowl – Dharmarajah College. Saucer: Elizabeth Moir.
Under 17: Cup – Elizabeth Moir. Plate – Joseph Vaz. Bowl – Royal College. Saucer – De Mazenod College.
Under 15: Cup – St. Henry’s College, Illawali, Jaffna. Plate – St. Anthony’s, Wattala. Bowl – S. Thomas’ College. Saucer –
Under 13: Cup – De Mazenod College, Plate – S. Thomas’ Bowl – Royal College. Saucer – Christ King College, Tudella.
(BM)
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