Army football marches on
View(s):Though the three-decade brutal war came to an end four years ago, Sri Lanka Army still continues to dominate the art of defence and attack, the area the soldiers are masters at. Discipline which is the core value of SL Army has not only helped them achieve the unthinkable in the battle field but also in the sports field.
Of all the sports they are engaged at football is the forte of the Army. During the last decade the Army football team has managed to generate much of the popularity to their establishment besides its improving status in cricket, rugby, motor racing, volleyball and many other sports. Army SC is seen at entering into almost all the sports disciplines in Sri Lanka nowadays and to have football on top is one of the greatest achievements according to Brigadier Dhammika Kariyawasam, who is in-charge of football.
“The most important point when it comes to any sport in the Army is the manner all recruits are been treated. There are no superstars or a small fry in our facility where teamwork is the magic word. There is cricket, rugby and a few other sports that are doing well on par with other clubs. But there are reasons for football to be on top of all here in the Army,” Brigadier Kariyawasam, chairman of Sri Lanka Army Football Committee said.
So far since 2008, the Army men’s team has won over seven championship titles while emerging runners-up at over five occasions, at domestic level. Its women’s team has won three domestic titles since 2011, including last week’s glorious win of the Women’s Inter-Club Championship 2013 while winning a few runners-up titles.
“The track record of our football teams has been tremendous over the years. Presently there are seven of our players representing Sri Lanka. We have a strong men’s squad of 30 and a women’s squad of 22. The sides are coached by veterans of football S. Pathmanadan and N.A. de Silva respectively. In addition the Army can boast of many ex-national players who are in with the present set up,” added Brigadier Kariyawasam who went on to reveal of a new project adopted by the Army to develop football.
“As our main squad, where all members are permanent recruits, we have another squad of 32 players. Since these players do not get the opportunity to take part in any form of competition, we have drafted them to other leading sides. In the ongoing Dialog Champions League 2013 competition, there are about 12 players who are playing for around eight other clubs. The Army have given them the freehand to engage in the sport but the only obligation is that these players will not play against Army. This programme renews every year,” he revealed.
Brigadier Kariyawasam went on to say that the Army remains to be committed to Sri Lanka football as much as they are obliged to serve the country and other sports. But he went on to say that those achievements will never come at any cost, but with the Army’s very own values and traditions.
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