The sun had barely risen over the St. Augustine’s High School grounds on February 21, 2025, but the energy was already electric. Cheers, whistles, and the rhythmic thud of footballs echoed across the field as 10 teams of boys under 14 geared up for the third season of the Br. C.G. Fernandes Memorial Interschool Football Tournament. Organized by the St. Augustine’s Vasai Alumni (AVA) in partnership with the school, the event has quickly become a highlight of the local sports calendar, celebrating teamwork, skill, and the legacy of the late Brother C.G. Fernandes, a beloved figure in the institution’s history.

A Tournament Built on Passion and Precision

The two-day event kicked off at 7:00 AM sharp, with young athletes representing schools from across Vasai and neighboring areas. By splitting the school’s sprawling ground into two full-sized pitches, AVA ensured matches ran smoothly and on schedule. Two games unfolded simultaneously, with referees officiating professionally and volunteers—all of them St. Augustine’s students—guiding teams and spectators.

“This isn’t just about winning trophies,” said one AVA organizer. “It’s about giving these kids a platform to grow, learn, and fall in love with the sport.” The sentiment was echoed by coaches, who praised the tournament’s emphasis on fair play and camaraderie.

Schools Battle for Glory

The 10 participating teams brought fierce competition:

  1. St. Augustine’s High School (A Team)
  2. Nazareth Convent High School
  3. Isaac Newton Global School
  4. St. Anne’s Convent High School & Junior College
  5. St. Aloysius High School
  6. St. Augustine’s High School (B Team)
  7. Mount Carmel High School & Junior College
  8. Rustomjee Cambridge International School
  9. Don Bosco High School & Junior College
  10. Notre Dame School

Group stage matches on Day 1 saw nail-biting moments, with standout performances from strikers, defenders, and goalkeepers alike. The St. Augustine’s Team, defending champions from the previous year, dominated early matches, while underdogs like Isaac Newton Global School surprised spectators with their agility and strategy.

Behind the Scenes: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

AVA’s meticulous planning transformed the grounds into a professional sporting arena. A temporary stage, changing rooms, and a sound system added to the event’s polish. Local businesses pitched in as sponsors, covering costs for medals, trophies, and refreshments. Volunteers distributed snacks and water to players, while the school’s management provided critical support, including power backups and football equipment.

“The alumni’s dedication is incredible,” said St. Augustine’s principal. “They’ve turned this into more than a tournament—it’s a community effort.”

Semifinals and Finals: A Sunday Spectacle

The action will peak on Sunday, February 23, with the semifinals and finals. Families are expected to pack the stands, waving banners and chanting for their schools. The final match promises to be a heart-stopping showdown, with the winners clinching the Golden Boot Trophy for the highest goal scorer and the Golden Glove Trophy for the best goalkeeper. The Player of the Tournament award will be awarded to the standout performer of the event.

“Watching these boys play gives me hope for the future of football in India,” remarked a referee.

More Than Just a Game

For AVA, the tournament is a labor of love. Having successfully organized two prior editions, the alumni group has refined everything from logistics to crowd management. “We want this to be a model for other schools,” said an AVA member. “When alumni, students, and sponsors come together, magic happens.”

The School Staff appreciated the emphasis on inclusivity. “Every child gets a participation certificate,” noted one teacher. “It teaches them that effort matters as much as victory.”

Looking Ahead

As the tournament progresses, plans for the fourth season are already brewing. AVA aims to expand the tournament, inviting more schools and incorporating girls’ teams in the future. “Sports build character,” said a coach from St. Anne’s Convent. “Events like this remind us why we invest in our children’s passions.”

For now, the St. Augustine’s grounds are buzzing with excitement, but the echoes of cheers, the thrill of goals, and the spirit of Brother C.G. Fernandes will linger—proof that when a community unites for its youth, everyone wins.