Nuns hold football match for poor children in western India

The Congregation of Holy Family Sisters on March 26 organized a football batch for students in memory of their founder in Goa, western India.

The Kiran Niketan Primary School (KNPS) Zuarinagar, Birla held a first-ever friendly football match in the morning hours on the school ground. 

It was held in the memory of Father Faustino de Souza, founder of Congregation of Holy Family Sisters (SFN), Sancoale, Goa, on the occasion of his 47th death anniversary. 

Teacher Maria Da Costa welcomed the chief guest and the other dignitaries with a floral bouquet. This was followed by a welcome dance by Kiran Niketan Primary School, students. 

The purpose of the event was to uphold the spirit of founder Father Faustino who was fond of children and brought out the best in them by tapping their talents so that society can make good leaders from among them.

This event was hosted by KNPS in the slum area of Zuarinagar to cherish the great love the founder had towards the poor and the marginalized. 

The first match was contested between St Joseph Vaz Primary School and Team A of Kiran Niketan Primary School wherein Kiran Niketan Primary School emerged as winners with scores of 2 - 3. 

In the second match contested by St Joseph Convent Primary School and Team B of Kiran Niketan Primary School, St. Joseph Convent Primary School walked away with the trophy.

The teams who played in the friendly matches were from St. Joseph Convent Primary School Nagoa Verna, Kiran Niketan Primary School Zuarinagar Team A, St. Joseph Vaz Primary School Sancoale, and Kiran Niketan Primary School Zuarinagar Team B.

In the first friendly football match, the best player trophy was awarded to Akash Kujur of Kiran Niketan Primary school and the best goalkeeper award was given to Vinay Madar of St Joseph Vaz Primary School.

The best player for the second friendly match was Adler Rebello of St. Joseph Convent Primary School Nagoa Verna and the best goalkeeper was Dhanaraj Pammar of Kiran Niketan Primary School Zuarinagar.

The chief guest Ms. Velanie Fernandes, captain of the FC Goa Women team praised the talent and potential of the upcoming tiny players who would surely in the future bring laurels in the field of football.  

Fernandes applauded the management, saying, “You have done so much for the children here. I have never seen such keen interest and such work being done for these children. I do appreciate the good work done towards encouraging children to be active on the ground.”

She added, “It is good to see that children are made so efficient and to be active at a young age. I would rather say that during my childhood days there was no one to encourage us like this. I salute the good work of Sister Berna and the Sisters here.”

“My one message to the children,” said Fernandes, “Give your best as the best is being done for you.” 

The guest of honor Sister Berna Rodrigues, superior general of SFNs appreciated the gracious presence of the chief guest. 

She expressed her joy that the ground was used by the children for the last four years to practice the game. It has been realized today a dream fulfilled with the spectacular performance of the young footballers of the primary schools and will eventually give rise to great footballers. 

She thanked Sister Anny Fernandes SFN, the manager for organizing the same. 

Sister Rodrigues, “I would like to hold on record in gratitude the efforts of the FC Coaches and the staff of Kiran Niketan Primary School in making this event successful.”

The event was witnessed by Sisters of Holy Family Congregation, friends, and the villagers.

“This event was a great one for us as it has happened within our vicinity with our children. We are glad Sisters are helping our children towards all-around development,” said Mrs. Hazra Sheikh, a villager present for the match. 

“Our children were all excited to give their best. It was a good start initiated by the Sisters who have the well-being of our children at heart,” commented Pinky Jadhav.