THE GOAN NETWORK | LONDON
When over 200 people cheered as 12 teams participated at the Goan Super Cup tournament at Club Langley, Beckenham, on August 13, they were, in essence, supporting a noble cause set up by two Goan youth for the benefit of underprivileged children in different parts of Goa.
Dylan Pereira and Andrew Fernandes have been hosting the Goan Super Cup tournament for the third year in a row and the response, both on and off the field, has been immense.
While Dylan’s dad hails from Candolim and mum hails from Navelim, Andrew’s parents are both from Navelim.
THE PURPOSE
“We were in the car on the way to a 5-a-side kick about in Croydon in the spring of 2021 the day after Covid restrictions were lifted and we were all eager to play football again. It was then when I came up with the concept of hosting our own tournament with Dylan,” said Andrew. “This slowly progressed from an initial thought to a plan and then to an objective. The philosophy was that not only would the tournament allow us to play football and get the young Goan community together, but we could also donate the proceeds directly to the underprivileged and orphans in Goa. It is the perfect Win-Win for everyone involved.”
Dylan remembered one of his family holidays to Goa, when he visited the St Joseph Boys Home & Boarding School, Calangute, with his parents.
“I was shocked to notice the boys playing football in bare feet on a very rough surface. Hence, it was decided to help these young football players with some proper football kit,” said Dylan.
“This concept took shape just after the Covid lockdown restrictions were lifted in 2020. With the use of social media, the word was spread out to the Goan youth in the UK.”
“We recalled how our parents and Goans of the previous generation who settled in the UK would often meet at the Goan club and play football and other sports. Since the club does not exist anymore, our generation of Goans have missed out and do not have a venue where we can meet on a regular basis.”
THE GOAN SUPER CUP
Dylan and Andrew then took it upon themselves to start the “Goan Super Cup” with 10 teams during the summer of 2021 soon after the lockdown was lifted.
“We were hugely overwhelmed by the response as the tournament attracted a total of 18 teams from far and wide. Hence, a decision was made to restrict the number of teams to 12,” said Andrew.
Teams from Oxford, Wembley, and other parts of London along with a number of Goan organisations like Goan Chaplaincy and Cortalim Union, all joined in.
Presents including football boots, shorts and shirts gifted to 38 orphans at The Mango Tree Trust Children’s Charity, Mapusa-Goa.
“The tournament in the first year itself was such a huge success and more funds were raised than anticipated. With the first proceeds, football boots, shin pads, socks, two sets of shorts and shirts were donated to 28 children at St Joseph's Boys Home & Boarding School, Calangute and 40 children at Goa Outreach Charity, Mapusa,” said Dylan.
Andrew and Dylan were encouraged to continue the tournament in 2022 and from the proceeds, were able to provide Christmas presents (including football boots, shorts, shirts) for 62 orphans at Fr Agnel Niketan, Pilar, and 38 orphans at The Mango Tree Trust Children's Charity, Mapusa. Details of how the funds were distributed can be found on the GSC facebook page along with photos and videos from the charities.
They just successfully completed their third annual tournament on August 13, with 12 teams battling for the cup and an estimated 200-plus spectators watching the games.
Arnold Rodrigues, a former midfielder who represented Salgonkar Sports Club, Goa and the Indian national team, presented the medals to the finalists.
It is hoped in future that more village organisations like Cortalim Union, form teams to take part in the tournament.
APPRECIATION
The efforts of Dylan Pereira and Andrew Fernandes have been widely appreciated in the UK and in Goa.
"It is truly a remarkable experience to bring together a vibrant and athletic crowd for the Goan Super Cup, all in the name of promoting charitable causes and supporting orphanages in Goa,” said Fr Feroz Fernandes, sfx, in the UK.
“Having participated in the tournament myself last year, I can attest to the dedication of the young and fearless leaders who strive to maintain a high standard of football, while keeping the spirit of the game alive and fostering a strong sense of community.”
“What makes this tournament even more special is its inclusivity, as it welcomes players of all backgrounds, ensuring a true representation of the Goan ratio in the matches.”
For Dylan and Andrew, the entire project was aimed at bringing an annual football tournament back to the Goan community which as a result generated funds to give orphans in Goa an equal chance to play football.
“Football boots are something we take for granted, but having witnessed in Goa first-hand the poor kids who play barefoot, we made it our goal to bring joy to those who don’t have the same opportunity. All profits and donations raised from our tournaments go towards football boots and equipment to orphans all around Goa,” said Dylan.
“We helped provide a platform that was missing for young Goans to meet one another and bring the community together through the beauty of sport.”
