The United Goans Center has been one of the premier soccer clubs in Kuwait for the past thirty eight years. We’re always at the forefront of sports activities, socio-cultural activities and various social events to promote harmony between expatriate community in Kuwait.

On the turn of the season, when the cold winds refused to make way for a warmer weather, the United Goans Center( UGC) honorable President Tony Alphonso along with his club members Agnelo, Rusario, Brigido and Garry held the Inter-School Soccer tournament for kids under the age of 14 at the Mishrif ground. Since its initiation in 1976, the UGC has always promoted the beautiful game among children. In 2000 and 2015 UGC had also organized a similar tournament on Jabriya Indian School lift the Inter School trophy year in 2000 and United Indian School Lifted the trophy of 2005.

Their Slogan ‘Friendship through Sports’ helps stand as a reminder to theses young athletes as they mature into grown footballers that though it is a tournament, one must maintain that sportsmanship and discipline at all times; be it on the field or off.

Since its inception, UGC breathed life into football in kuwait, at a time when the sport had almost been forgotten. Now it has taken a leading role in allowing school going kids to compete with each other from different schools to help shape the next round of home grown footballers in Kuwait to take part in local sporting events.

Not many kids have the luxury of making it into first teams as older players are always prefered due to their vast experience. But this year the UGC decided to give them a chance to show what they are made of by conducting the tournament for under 14 year olds to commemorate the 41st edition UGC soccer tournament Final.

On what promised to be a cold yet sunny morning of Friday, 10th February 2017, United Goans Centre (UGC) held its 41st Edition football tournament. The day began with an epic showdown between Indian English Academy School (IEAS) and Indian Central School (ICS) for the Inter-School under 14 Football finals. The two finalists beat a host of other schools that consisted of United Indian School, Kuwait Indian school, Carmel School Kuwait and Indian Integrated School to reach the final.

Both schools showed professionalism by arriving early on the pitch and spent some time doing warm ups and practice drills. The match itself was well balanced in the first half as both teams were evenly matched in skill and fight for possession. IEAS seemed the more threating of the two however; no breakthrough could be found ending the first half in 0-0 draw.

The second half began with the same energy as the first half. IEAS seemed eager to push forward with a spectacular long-range pass from No.4 Cailan Quiney. IEAS put forth more balls into the box with lovely crosses but there wasn’t anyone to receive them except ICS players.

Not wanting to be left out ICS retaliated with more vigor earning themselves a corner but it was cleared by IEAS. ICS increased their attacks inside the IEAS box. IEAS seemed flustered as they lost possession inside their own box leading to nervy moments. The IEAS goalkeeper though seemed to be there just when needed, spectacularly saving a good shot on goal.

The game went into extra time and IEAS soaked up whatever attacks thrown at them by ICS but were quick to counter earning themselves a free kick some distance away. No. 17 Aaron D’souza was tasked with taking the free kick, which he took fabulously with a long range ball.

Enthused with their goal, IEAS increased pressure and crowded the ICS box. Though the game was all but won, IEAS would not back down. Their efforts paid off when No.5 Huzefa Ali doubled their lead. Even though they were trailing 2-0, ICS kept trying until the last minute of the game; emitting the sporting spirit that great teams are made of.

Multi Sport -Events

The United Goans Centre also conducted for the first time an Inter-School Multi-Events on 4th February 2017, for children under the age of 14 years. The UGC has introduced these Multi-Events to give both boys and girls a platform to participate and enhance their extracurricular activities. United Indian School (UIS), Kuwait Indian School (KIS), Indian Central School (ICS), Carmel School Kuwait (CSK) were the four schools that participated in various events.

The games were held to test the physical and mental capacity as well as create a sense of comradery and teamwork among students.

United Indian School took first place due to wins in Tug of War, Relay Mix, Relay Girls, Mathematics Problem Solving and Run with the Ball,

Indian Central School took Second place with wins in the Sack Race and Relay Boys.

Kuwait Indian School and Carmel School Kuwait took 3rd and 4th place respectively.

The Winners of the Same were announced on 10th February 2017.

FC Sparks Vs. AVC

The United Goans Centre’s 41st Edition Football Final 2017 final between FC Sparks and AVC followed the Inter-School Football Final. AVC vs. FC Sparks started with a bang as FC Sparks forward No.20 Jithin burst forth towards the AVC goal in the opening minutes. He attempted to head a cross from No. 10 Hussain, towards goal but it went straight in the Goalkeepers waiting hands.

The midfield of both teams were busy as interceptions, blocks and tackles were aplenty throughout the match. Hussain for FC Sparks was at it again with lovely link up play with Jithin whose header was a few feet wide off target.

AVC earned themselves a free kick in a promising position. No.20 Roland scored a beauty over a line of FC defenders into the top corner of goal.

AVC controlled possession but FC Sparks wouldn’t back down, fighting them on every turn. FC sparks had a good opportunity when a long ball was played to No.6 Hisham but his shot went wide over the bar just before half time.

Returning from the second half, FC Sparks were determined to equalize after No.28 Sulfi put in a delectable cross across the face of the box but not a Sparks player in sight to collect it. FC Sparks kept possession well with impressive one touch passing but they couldn’t break through the strong AVC defense.

Sparks had a chance with intricate passing between the players but the final shot was high over the crossbar. AVC sensing the danger increased pressure inside the FC Sparks box. A shot on goal was blocked by the FC Sparks keeper, but it fell to No.61 Anthony who headed into goal.