Sri Lanka hosted its inaugural Under-10s Football Tournament, marking a historic moment in over a century of School Football. The final stage of the Renown-Multilac Inter-Schools Under-10 National Football Carnival took place at the Racecourse Ground in Colombo last weekend.
The event saw participation from over 1500 boys and girls from across Sri Lanka. Sponsored by Renown Football Academy and Multilac Paints, the tournament featured 6-a-side matches on eight pitches, ensuring every player in the squad had the chance to play according to the tournament’s rules.
Attendees at the Racecourse Ground last Sunday experienced more than just a competition: it was a platform for young talents to shine. Even intermittent rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic young players, who played passionately in front of supportive spectators and parents.
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The tournament, designed as a Football Carnival rather than a fierce competition, did not crown an overall champion. Instead, group champions and runners-up received trophies and certificates, while all participants were awarded certificates of participation. The organizers ensured every child had the opportunity to play on the same field where the national team competes.
Renown Football Academy, a main sponsor, brought in national players Fazal Naizer, Kavindu Ishan, Dilip Peiris, Mohammed Aakib, Parami Rajapaksha, Praveena Perera, and Imesha Warnakulasuriya for the opening ceremony, inspiring the young participants with their presence.
Multilac Paints, the co-sponsor, set up a large canvas for the kids and visitors to paint on, which became a popular attraction throughout the day. Contributors to the painting received a Multilac cap. The Sri Lanka Schools Football Association organized the tournament under the Ministry of Education’s supervision.
Vincent Sritharan Peeris, President of Renown Football Academy, expressed his honor and satisfaction in sponsoring this historic event, which has now become a fixture in the annual Schools Football calendar in Sri Lanka.
“I was thrilled to see so many young girls and boys showcasing their football skills, revealing the abundant talent in the country. We plan to take further steps to help these young talents develop and potentially excel in Football,” he said.
A Multilac representative added, “We are dedicated to nurturing dreams and promoting sportsmanship as the next generation of football stars takes center stage. We are proud to be part of this event and pledge our continued support in the coming years.”
The opening and prize ceremonies featured chief guests including V. Sritharan Peeris, President of Renown Football Academy, Rachel Peeris, Director of Renown Women of Renown Football Academy, Ismail Hussain, Chief Operating Officer of Multilac, Mihiran Opatha, General Manager of Sales at Multilac, Upali Amarathunga, Director of Sports at the Ministry of Education, Ruwan Pathirana, Assistant Director of Sports at the Ministry of Education, Bandara Leelarathna, President of the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association, and Pubudu Paranagama, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association.
