The Diocesan Youth Centre (DYC), Goa, organized its yearly 11-A Side All Goa Parish Youth Football Tournament – ‘Archbishop’s Trophy’, on 26th January 2026, at Navelim Parish ground. 18 deaneries sent their finalists after their Deanery Youth Football Tournaments which adds up to 114 parishes played at the Deanery Level. 5-A Side girls’ teams also took part for the Tie-breaker from each of the 18 deaneries.
The DYC Team ensured the tournament fosters sportsmanship, unity, friendship, and youth empowerment. The unique inaugural ceremony integrated in prayer focused on St. Carlo Acutis and his passion for Football. The ceremony included the captains of each parish carrying their parish youth flag and the deanery flag along with the DYC flag which was carried by Fr. Blaise. The Guests of Honour Mr. Aaren D’silva, FC Goa Player and Miss Velanie Fernandes, renowned India Women’s Football Player declared the tournament open. Mr. Aaren in his message drew his inspiration from Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
Many priests supported the youth with their presence: Fr. Gabriel Coutinho, Fr. Clive Dias, Fr. Mario Costa, Fr. Leslie Rego and Fr Jason Travasso. Several Deanery Priest Youth Animators (DPYAs) were also present: Fr. Jovial (DPYA Raia) who guided the whole tournament, also present were; Fr. Baltazar (DPYA Canacona), Fr. Leslie (DPYA Old Goa) encouraged and motivated their teams.
In the girls’ final, Chinchinim Deanery (Chinchinim Parish) emerged victorious against Pernem Deanery (Arambol Parish). The tournament concluded with the boys’ final, where Margao Deanery (Fatorda Parish) won the Archbishop’s Trophy, defeating Mapusa Deanery (Mapusa Parish). The Guest of Honour for the evening, Mr. Mathew Colaco, Premier League Kicks Coach for Watford Football Club and Mr. Macan Pereira, head coach for U-16 Dempo Sports Club, presented the Archbishop’s Trophy to the winners and runners-up of both the boys’ and girls’ tournaments.
The individual awards were won by Joel (Mapusa Deanery, Mapusa Parish) as the Best Goalkeeper, Jeff (Margao Deanery, Fatorda Parish) as the Best Defender, and Milder (Margao Deanery, Fatorda Parish) as the Best Striker.