Goan Association UK Sports Director Savio D’Souza along with kids who participated in the first 5-a-side football tournament at Goals-Wembley on July 9.
THE GOAN NETWORK | LONDON
The Goan Association UK has been promoting sports among the Goan community in a big way, by hosting annual sporting events and introducing new tournaments for Goans of various ages.
FOOTBALL
The Goan Association UK held its first 5-a-side football tournament for boys and girls under 13 years at Goals-Wembley on July 9.
In the first game, Wembley Warriors defeated Alperton Titans 2-1, thanks to superb strikes from Emily Chelsea Pereira (player of the tournament).
In the second match, Pinner Park won against St Anselm’s 4-0. Impact substitute Mark do Rego scored a double, while Shnoy Fernandes and Keane Soares scored one goal each.
The third game was between Wembley Warriors and Pinner Park. Wembley Warriors went 2-1 up and the Pinner Park goalkeeper performed a stunning save to deny them another goal. Wembley Warriors ended up with a 3-1 victory.
The fourth was, by far, the best game, with a narrow 1-0 victory for Alperton Titans, who defeated St Anselm’s. Alperton Titans grabbed an early goal courtesy of a brilliant cross from Greslhon Fernandes. Luke De Rego managed to put the Alperton Titans' noses in front and St Anselm’s pressed hard for the rest of the match but a solid performance from Alperton Titans defenders got them the win.
The finals took place between Wembley Warriors and Alperton Titans. The Wembley Warriors grabbed an early goal and never looked back. With a hat-trick from player of the tournament Emily, Wembley Warriors won 5-0.
A whopping 20 goals were scored in just 5 games at the tournament.
Goan Association UK and its directors praised the kids for showcasing their talents on the ground.
“The ambition the kids displayed to play football or just to have fun with friends, was humbling to witness. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and interacting with the kids. I hope these players have an opportunity to play in the Premier League or for the country,” said Savio D’Souza, Sports Director of Goan Association UK.
The kids appreciated Franky Fernandes (FA-certified coach) and Victor Fernandes for coaching them at the tournament. The kids also thanked their parents who took time out of their busy day to come and support them.
GOLF
The Goan Association UK got the Goan golfers together at the annual event, with the members competing for annual ‘George Mistry Cup’ and non-members competing for the ‘Darryl Desa Trophy’.
The event was started by Joe Mascarenhas and Jac D’Silva in 2002 and Sandra Fernandes took over in 2019.
A dinner and prize-giving followed the round of golf. This is primarily a fundraising event, and last year's proceeds of £1000 was donated to Harrow Gateway, a charity based in Harrow that supports those with learning disabilities.
This event is popular across the Golfing community and is supported by Goans (Christian and Hindu), non-Goans (Gujarati and Sikhs) and other communities (English and Irish), who travel from across the South East to participate.
