It is the singular privilege of Don Bosco ITI Madurai, INT Province, to conduct a State Level Football Tournament in the name of our beloved Father and Founder St. John Bosco in the state of Tamilnadu.
It is the one and only existing official State Level Tournament for the top teams in the state. It is an annual feature conducted with the official permission of Tamilnadu Football Association (TFA) and Madurai District Football Association (MDFA).
This football festival was held from 8thof May to 13thof May 2018. Nineteen top teams of the state such as Reserve Bank, Income Tax, Tamilnadu Police, Southern Railways, Greater Chennai Police, South Zone Police, Chennai United and Central Excise took an active part in the tournament.
Income tax, Chennai emerged as the Champions of the 19th Don Bosco State Level Football Tournament. They were awarded Rs. 50,000 as cash prize with a Trophy. TVS FC, Madurai were the runners, they were awarded Rs. 30,000 as cash prize with a Trophy. Special prizes for the Best forward was given to Master Bebito from Income Tax, Best Mid fielder for Master Rakesh from TVS FC, Best Defender for Master Prem from Income Tax, Best Goal keeper for Master Emmanuel from Don Bosco FC and Best Emerging player for Master David from Dominic Savio FC.
The Chief Guest for the final was Salesian Brother Meril Rodrigo SDB, Director of DBYC, Basin Bridge and former Director DBYC, Madurai. He celebrates the Golden Jubilee of his religious profession this year. He was the one along with Rev. Fr. Gerard Nelliyotukonam (INM), started the tournament in a small way as a district tournament way back in 1985. Don Bosco Youth Center owes a lot of gratitude to Bro. Meril for his self-less work. In his speech he shared about the joy of being a Salesian for fifty years. He also spoke about the special love that he has for Don Bosco and his mission.
The tournament was ably conducted by Mr.Arockiaraj (Thiruvalluvar), the Match Commissioner appointed by The Tamilnadu Football Association. He was well assisted by ten eminent referees from the state. The leaders of Don Bosco Youth Centre Madurai made this tournament a grand success. A few players from Don Bosco and Dominic Savio football clubs were approached by leading clubs from Chennai to play as guest players for their teams. Credit goes to Father Francis Pinto SDB the Rector and the Salesian community at Don Bosco Madurai for organizing this great event to make the young realize that they are loved. Special appreciation to the inmates and the youth boys of Don Bosco Madurai, who toiled hard to make this event a successful one.