The “8th Josephian Futsal Soccer Carnival” will be held on 30th of July at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo main grounds from 8.00 am onwards. ThePapare.com – Sri Lanka’s No.1 Sports Hub has joined hands with 8th Josephian Futsal Carnival organizing committee as the ‘Online Media Partner.’

The Futsal Carnival is one of the largest events in the Inter-school football calendar with over 2000 students participating across 7 age groups, with representation from schools in all 9 provinces of the country.

The extravaganza was an offshoot of the St. Joseph’s College Football Academy. The Soccer Advisory Committee of St. Joseph’s College led by the current FFSL Secretary, Balendra Anthony with the support of the then Rector of St.Joseph’s College, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Ranasinghe initiated the event.

The main focus of this endeavour is the grass root level search for talent as this in fact would be the perfect stepping stone for young and talented footballers to shine. This would directly contribute to the development of the sport in Sri Lanka.

This fun filled and purposeful day is held under the theme of “The First Touch”. The theme itself depicts the purpose of this occasion, to give the first touch or a stepping-stone for young soccer stars.

While the kids have a blast on the field, the coaches will scout for young talent.

The tournament will be held for seven age groups starting from the Under 9s all the way up to the Under 19s. Altogether there will be 206 teams in all age groups.

Cup, Plate, Bowl and Saucer trophies will be awarded in the Under 13, 15, 17 & 19 age groups. This year a new trophy is included: the Shield trophy.

All the participants in the Under 9, 10 & 11 age groups will receive medals and the organizers have taken this step to encourage the kids considering the main focus of this endeavour is the grass root level search for talent.

Under 19 teams will battle it out for the Rev. Fr. Sylvester Ranasinghe Challenge Trophy.

Past Winners of the Under 19 Cup Championship

• 2009 – St. Benedict’s College, Colombo
• 2010 – Zahira College, Colombo
• 2011 – St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
• 2012 – St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
• 2013 – Maris Stella College, Negombo
• 2014 – Zahira College, Colombo
• 2015 – St. Peter’s College, Colombo

Another eye catching feature would be the Old Joes Vs Old Bens traditional fixture for the Peter Ranasinghe Trophy.

The Main Sponsor of the event will be Ceylon Biscuits Limited. The Media Partners of the event would be Derana TV/Derana FM and ThePapare.com.