"Unity Through Sport: Chittagong YMCA’s Football Match Inspires Community and Youth"

"Unity Through Sport: Chittagong YMCA’s Football Match Inspires Community and Youth"

On a spirited Friday afternoon of July 18, 2025, a sense of excitement filled the air as members of the Chittagong YMCA, Bangladesh, along with their families and friends, gathered at the grounds of St. Placid’s School and College. The occasion was the eagerly awaited Friendly Football Match Competition — an event that went beyond the love of football to embody the mission and vision of the YMCA on both local and global levels.

A total of 42 enthusiastic participants had registered to take part in the match. They were divided into two teams: the YMCA Strikers and the YMCA Warriors. The energy was palpable as friends, families, and youth gathered to cheer, support, and celebrate a day rooted in health, fellowship, and purpose.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Immanuel Boiragy, General Secretary of Chittagong YMCA. In his opening remarks, he celebrated the YMCA’s legacy in sports, reminding the crowd that the organization was behind the invention of basketball, volleyball, and racquetball. He emphasized the values of fair play, teamwork, and mutual respect — values deeply aligned with the YMCA Mission and Vision 2030.

Professor Steve Oscar D Rozario, Chairman of Chittagong YMCA, expressed gratitude to all players and volunteers for their participation. “Sports play an important role in developing not only physical but also mental health,” he stated. He highlighted how initiatives like these support the holistic development of youth and reaffirmed the YMCA’s role in shaping a better society through inclusive programs.

The match was graced by Reverend Brother Samuel Sabuj Bala, CSC, Principal of St. Placid’s School and College, who attended as the chief guest. In his speech, he described the football match as a milestone for Christian youth, applauding the YMCA’s mission to nurture body, mind, and spirit. He acknowledged the YMCA’s contribution to building healthier, more empowered young people and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting YMCA’s programs that uplift communities and foster purpose-driven youth leadership.

Before the match began, players stood united, representing more than just teams — they represented a shared commitment to growth, harmony, and inclusion. The match itself was competitive and full of action. The first half remained goalless, with both teams showcasing strong defense and strategic plays. Early in the second half, Mr. Clint Calif D’Costa scored a goal for the YMCA Strikers. Soon after, Mr. Julian D’Costa of the YMCA Warriors brought the score to 1-1, sparking cheers from both sides.

As the game ended in a tie, excitement reached new heights with a tiebreaker round. In a show of composure and teamwork, the YMCA Strikers emerged victorious, winning 4-1 and claiming the title of champions. Despite the result, both teams displayed mutual respect and unity — a true testament to the spirit of the YMCA.

Trophies were presented to both the winning and runner-up teams by board members and past chairmen of Chittagong YMCA. The celebration was joyous, with families capturing memories, cheering for their youth, and appreciating the YMCA’s continuous efforts to nurture community connection.

This friendly football match was far more than a recreational event. It was a concrete realization of YMCA’s Vision 2030, illustrating how sport can transform individual lives and strengthen the social fabric. It fostered community well-being through physical health, emotional satisfaction, and social unity.

The Chittagong YMCA demonstrated that sports can be a bridge — connecting generations, faith, and communities in the shared pursuit of a just, sustainable, and thriving world.

Immanuel Boiragy

General Secretary

Chittagong YMCA