Fourth Inter Don Bosco Youth Centre Football Tournament 2024-25

A comprehensive Fourth Inter Youth Centre Football Tournament was successfully hosted at Don Bosco, Puthupally, on June 29, 2025, commencing at 7:00 AM and concluding at 7:00 PM. The event saw the participation of twelve teams, with accommodation arrangements for all teams effectively managed at Don Bosco school premises. The host community of Don Bosco Puthuppally ensured smooth transportation by arranging school buses for player pick-up.
The tournament officially kicked off with the match between Don Bosco Vennala Youth Centre and Don Bosco Alappuzha Youth Centre. The formal inauguration ceremony took place following the second match, which was contested between Don Bosco Mundakkal and Don Bosco Bhavan, Mannuthy. The esteemed Chief Guest for the occasion was Shri. Chandi Umman, MLA of Puthuppally constituency, who was formally welcomed by Mr. Stervin, President of the Kerala Region Don Bosco Youth. Fr. Varghese Kaplikkunnel SDB, the Youth Service Delegate of the Province, delivered a felicitation address. Following this, Shri. Chandi Umman MLA addressed the gathering, inspiring the players to recognize and cultivate the “Messi” within themselves, rather than anticipating Lionel Messi’s arrival in Kerala. He formally inaugurated the tournament by taking a spot kick, signalling the start of competitive play. The matches proceeded efficiently without any notable delays throughout the day.
Following the two semi-final matches, a losers’ final was played between Don Bosco Youth Centre Vaduthala and Don Bosco Youth Centre Aluva, with Don Bosco Youth Centre Aluva securing victory after a penalty shootout. The highly anticipated final match, featuring Don Bosco Alappuzha Youth Centre against Don Bosco Mundakkal Youth Centre, commenced at 5:45 PM. The match concluded in a goalless draw, leading to a decisive penalty shootout in which Don Bosco Alappuzha Youth Centre emerged as the tournament champions.
Individual awards were presented to outstanding players by various dignitaries. Fr. John Muttathuparambil SDB, Youth Director, Kerala Region, presented the award for Best Goalkeeper. Fr. Josh Kanjooparambil, Youth Director of Don Bosco Puthuppally, presented the Best Player award. The Best Defender award was given by Fr. Manuel Gilton SDB, Youth Director of Don Bosco Vaduthala. Mementos for the referees were presented by Fr. Jubin Aaila SDB, the Administrator of Don Bosco Puthuppaly. The Second Runners Up trophy was awarded by Fr. Antony Panikkarukunnel SDB, Youth Director of Don Bosco Mundakkal. Fr. Antony Vialatt SDB, the Rector of Don Bosco Puthuppally, presented the Runners Up trophy along with a prize money of INR 5,000. The coveted Winners Trophy, the Don Bosco Youth Centres Ever-rolling Football Trophy, and a prize money of INR 10,000 were awarded by Fr. Varghese Kaplikkunnel SDB, Delegate for Youth Services, Bangalore Province. We are grateful to all the Salesian Fathers, Brothers, and students for being present and encouraging their own teams. We are also grateful to Br. Joshua Savio SDB, the Student Brother, for his comprehensive media coverage and for capturing the best moments of both the tournament and the function through his photography.
Mr. Akash, the Kerala Region Don Bosco Youth Sports Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks, after which Fr. John Muttathuparambil SDB expressed profound gratitude to the Don Bosco Puthuppally community, especially Fr. Antony Vialatt SDB, for their exceptional hosting and execution of the tournament. He also acknowledged Mr. Akash’s precise and perfect coordination of the entire event with the support of local youth members.

The participating teams subsequently departed to their respective centers by 8:00 PM. Special appreciation is extended to Fr. Antony Vialatt SDB, Fr. Josh Kanjooparambil SDB, and the Conmunity of Don Bosco Puthuppally for their meticulous planning and flawless execution of the tournament. Sincere gratitude is also extended to the Don Bosco Youth State-level Executive team, under the leadership of Mr. Sterwin, President of the Kerala Region Don Bosco Youth, alongside Mr. Daniel, Mr. Savio, Mr. Sabu, and Mr. Akash, for their diligent arrangements and for preparing the venue before and after the event. Finally, we thank almighty God for making everything in favour of conducting the tournament