AICS Football Tournament 2025-26

The AICS (Association of ICSE and CBSE Schools) Football Tournament for the academic year 2025-2026 was hosted by St Mary’s English Medium School, Udupi, on November 6 and 7, 2025. The event was inaugurated at 9 AM on Day 1, after registrations for under 17 Boys and Girls events.

The inauguration began with a prayer song by the students’ choir in the presence of the dignitaries on the dais – the President and Correspondent, V. Rev. Fr Charles Menezes; Chief Guest, Rev. Fr Rolwyn Joy Aranha, Principal of Don Bosco School, Shirva and Sports Secretary of AICS Udupi District; our Principal, Rev. Fr Vijay Joyson D’Souza; Vice Principal, Mrs Rita Quadros; and Head of the Department of Physical Education, Mr Gerald Pinto.

Fr Vijay Dsouza welcomed the gathering and introduced the guests, who were warmly felicitated. The unveiling of the individual and championship trophies followed, drawing an enthusiastic response from the audience of students, coaches, team managers, and teachers.

Chief Guest Fr Rolwyn Aranha addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of sports in fostering discipline and good health. He was later felicitated with a memento in appreciation of his contributions to education and sports. Fr Charles Menezes then spoke on the value of playing multiple sports, emphasizing how it nurtures a love for fitness and builds all-rounders.

Ms Meghan Saldanha Anchored the program and expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, AICS principals, and the Physical Education department staff Mr Gerald, Mr Bhaskar, Ms Renuka, Ms Shantha, Ms Ashwini along with the school staff, participants, and coaches.

The event concluded with the formal inauguration of the tournament, as Fr Charles, Fr Rolwyn, Fr Vijay, and Mrs. Rita ceremoniously kicked the football towards the goalpost, marking the spirited beginning of the games.

The Valedictory Program of the Football Tournament was held on November 7, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. The event marked the culmination of the exciting football matches conducted under two categories – Under-14 Boys and Girls and Senior Under-19 Boys. Throughout the tournament, the teams displayed outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork, and enthusiasm.

The valedictory ceremony commenced with Ms Cybil Laveena serving as the Master of Ceremonies. The program began with a warm welcome speech by Ms Rita Quadros, the Vice Principal, who congratulated all the participants for their dedication and spirited performance.

The President of the program, V. Rev. Fr. Charles Menezes, Correspondent of St Mary’s educational Institutions, graced the occasion with his presence. In his address, he appreciated the efforts of the players, coaches, and organizers, emphasizing the importance of sports in building discipline, teamwork, and character among students.

The much-awaited moment of the day followed as Ms Renuka, teacher in charge, announced the results of the tournament. The winners and runners-up teams were felicitated with trophies and certificates amidst loud cheers and applause.

The program concluded on a joyful note, celebrating the talent and hard work of all participants. The Valedictory Program not only marked the end of the football tournament but also inspired students to continue striving for excellence both on and off the field.

The Results of the Tournament are as follows: UNDER 17 BOYS CATEGORY Winners -St Mary’s English Medium School, Kannarpady, Udupi Runner – up - G M Vidyaniketan Public School, Brahmmavar Best Player of the Tournament- Prinson Xavier Dsouza -St Mary’s English Medium School Best Goal Keeper Sonith S Kotiyan, G M Vidyaniketan Public School

UNDER 17 GIRLS CATEGORY Winners- St Mary’s English Medium School Kannarpady, Udupi Runner - up - Sharada Residential School, Kunjebittu. Best Player of the Tournament Abhijna Venkatesh, Sharada Residential School, Kunjibettu Best Goalkeeper Avya M Kanchan, St Mary’s English Medium School, Kannarpady, Udupi

UNDER 14 BOYS CATEGORY Winners -Bearys Seaside Public School Cbse , Kundapura Runner - up -Dr N Shankara Adyanthaya Memorial Eng Med High School Nitte Best Player of the Tournament -Suprith B Salian ,Dr N Shankara Adyanthaya Memorial Eng Med High School Nitte Best Goalkeeper Mohammed Fahad, Bearys Seaside Public School Cbse, Kundapura

UNDER 14 GIRLS CATEGORY Winners -Dr N Shankara Adyanthaya Memorial Eng Med High School Nitte Runner - up - Sharada Residential School, Kunjebittu Best Player of the Tournament - Harshika Poojary, Dr N Shankara Adyanthaya Memorial Eng Med High School Nitte Best Goalkeeper -Deepshika M, Sharada Residential School, Kunjebittu

UNDER 19 BOYS CATEGORY Winners - Green Valley International School, Shiruru Runner - up - Madhavakripa School, Manipal, Udupi Best Player of the Tournament -Saad Ahmed Irshad, Madhavakripa School, Manipal, Udupi Best Goalkeeper - Muhammed Rishan Sahad, Green Valley International School, Shiruru