‘Navy Cup 2017’ under 14 seven –a – side football tournament held in Jaffna
 

The ‘Navy Cup 2017’ seven – a – side under 14 football tournament organized by the Northern Naval Command was held in a grand scale at the Duraiappah Stadium, Jaffna on 05th August 2017. The event organized for first time in the peninsula by the Navy was graced by District Secretary- Jaffna Mr. N Vethanayahan as the Chief Guest, Secretary to the Hon. Governor Northern Province, ranks and rates from the Army and Police, principals, staff members and children of the schools that took part in the tournament.

The tournament was officially declared open by the Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Jayantha De Silva. This vibrant football tournament, for under 14 school children in the Northern Province worked off with the participation of 06 popular schools in the Jaffna District and 06 soccer teams representing the children of island schools in Jaffna.

After a series of competitive rounds, St Patrick’s College, Jaffna won the championship of the 2017 Navy Cup and the Central College, Jaffna became the runners up of the tournament. The trophy for the Best Player was won by Master V. Rohith and the trophy for the Best Goal Keeper was won by Master A. Arnold of the champion team.

As a brainchild of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the Northern Naval Command commenced football training for the school children on the islands in Jaffna Peninsula in 2016, with the intention of inculcating professional sports skills among them. Accordingly, an officer who is a professional in this sport along with 07 other Navy football players were attached for the successful conduct of this training.

Over 200 children in the Island sector have taken part in these football coaching camps to date. Apart from that, the children are also provided with essential nutrients and supplements during the training. In addition, the Navy has mediated in provision of required sports gear including football boots, jerseys and other accessories for the children.

To make the game popular among the school girls in the peninsula and add glamour to the event, an exhibition football match between the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Air Force women’s teams was also played on this occasion. Sri Lanka Navy women’s team beat the rivals by securing two goals.

All winning teams and individuals were awarded with valuable prizes and all the participants were awarded with certificates in recognition of their passion in the ball game.