Sachi Fernando (left) GM Marketing of CBL presenting the main trophy to Bandara Leelaratne (President of SLSFA) (Pic by Sudath Malaweera)
A record number of 12,000 football players from 600 schools will be taking part in the under-14 Inter-School Football Tournament organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association and sponsored by CBL Samaposha for the thirteenth consecutive time.
Participants for the championship are from all 25 districts in the island with matches to be played in 32 centres featuring 492 boys’ teams and 118 girls’ teams in action.
The first round began on January 1 while the second round is scheduled to be held on February 1, 2 and 3 in Vanuniya. There will be 32 boys’ teams and 28 girls’ teams who will qualify to play in the second round. The finals are scheduled to be held on February 7 at the Race Course ground in Colombo.
According to the organisers special recognition and awards will be presented to the best player from both the boys and girls categories and the best goal keeper.
The champion and runner-up teams will also be presented with handsome cash awards at the end of the tournament according to the organisers.
“There has been a massive increase in the number of participants since it began 12 years ago,” said Sachi Fernando, General Manager Marketing of CBL Food Cluster.
According to the organisers, teams move into the 2025 championship better prepared than last year and football followers can expect some good action
“The competition is unique as students from remote areas of the country have the opportunity to participate and compete.
The under-14 teams are now significantly better prepared and we have high expectations for this year’s competition. I would like to thank CBL Samaposha for supporting these endeavours towards a successful competition,” said Bandara Leelarathna the president of the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association.
Over the years many schoolboys and girls have been able to display their prowess from a young age and the promoters are confident the tournament will continue to grow.
“CBL Samaposha sponsors this football tournament with the aim to developing the interest of Sri Lankan school children in football, thereby building team, discipline and future sporting aspirations,” commented Manjula Dahanayake Director/CEO of CBL Food Cluster.
Sri Lanka Football said the tournament was a must for budding players who would receive the fullest backing of the parent body.
“We are committed to further developing the world’s most popular sport, for the youth of Sri Lanka and every citizen.
“The tournament goes beyond a football match as it is a tournament that aims to nurture the future generations of our country,” said Jaswar Umar president of Football Sri Lanka (FSL).
