Archbishop’s Trophy 2026 Celebrates Youth, Faith and Football in Goa

Goa, February 1, 2026: The Diocesan Youth Centre (DYC), Goa, successfully organised its annual 11-A Side All Goa Parish Youth Football Tournament, the Archbishop’s Trophy, on 26 January 2026 at the Navelim Parish ground. The tournament brought together youth from across the state, with 18 deaneries sending their finalists after competing in Deanery-level Youth Football Tournaments involving a total of 114 parishes. Alongside the boys’ competition, 5-A Side girls’ teams from each deanery participated in tie-breaker matches.

The DYC team ensured that the tournament promoted sportsmanship, unity, friendship and youth empowerment. A distinctive inaugural ceremony set a reflective tone, integrating prayer and focusing on St Carlo Acutis and his passion for football. The ceremony featured captains from each parish carrying their parish youth flags, along with their respective deanery flags, while the DYC flag was carried by Fr. Blaise. Guests of Honour, Mr. Aaren D’silva, FC Goa player, and Miss Velanie Fernandes, a renowned India women’s football player, officially declared the tournament open. Addressing the youth, Mr. D’silva shared how Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” — continues to inspire him.

The event received strong encouragement from the clergy, with several priests present to support the young participants, including Fr. Gabriel Coutinho, Fr. Clive Dias, Fr. Mario Costa, Fr. Leslie Rego and Fr. Jason Travasso. Deanery Priest Youth Animators (DPYAs) also played an active role. Fr. Jovial (DPYA Raia) guided the entire tournament, while Fr. Baltazar (DPYA Canacona) and Fr. Leslie (DPYA Old Goa) motivated and encouraged their respective teams.

In the girls’ final, Chinchinim Deanery (Chinchinim Parish) emerged victorious against Pernem Deanery (Arambol Parish). The tournament concluded with an exciting boys’ final, where Margao Deanery (Fatorda Parish) clinched the Archbishop’s Trophy after defeating Mapusa Deanery (Mapusa Parish).

The evening’s Guests of Honour, Mr. Mathew Colaco, Premier League Kicks Coach for Watford Football Club, and Mr. Macan Pereira, Head Coach for the U-16 Dempo Sports Club, presented trophies to the winners and runners-up in both the boys’ and girls’ categories.

Individual honours recognised outstanding performances, with Joel (Mapusa Deanery, Mapusa Parish) named Best Goalkeeper, Jeff (Margao Deanery, Fatorda Parish) awarded Best Defender, and Milder (Margao Deanery, Fatorda Parish) receiving the Best Striker award.

By DYC - Office

Margao, Goa

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