Priests compete in football league

Football dominated the discourse of priests, who, otherwise, are seen delivering sermons from the altar or pulpits in churches.

On July 10, 106 priests from all across Goa tossed their cassocks aside for a day and assembled at Bulls Arena Futsal Ground, Nagoa, Verna, to either witness or play a unique football league.

The tournament titled 'Goa Priests Futsal League System' had eight teams that played three matches each. Each team consisted of five players and one game had a duration of 10 minutes, only.

The tournament was conceptualised and organised by Fr Doel, a Goa archdiocese priest, and Fr Franky, a Capuchin friar.

Young Shepherds defeated Cardinal's Boys 2-0 to win the tournament.

Priests belonging to the Goa archdiocese, Salesians, Capuchins, Pilar Fathers and The Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS) grouped into eight teams to play in the league.

The league was a platform for the priests to connect via football and create a new culture, but at the same time play foul and forgive each other.