Lodge St George Football Cup-2024
Date: 04th February 2024.
Location: Astro Park Turf, St. Stanislaus School, Bandra West.
The Inaugural St. George Football Cup marks a significant milestone in the illustrious history of Lodge St. George No. 549 as we celebrate our 175th anniversary in a truly remarkable fashion.This momentous occasion not only commemorated the enduring legacy of our lodge but also served as a groundbreaking event, being the first of its kind ever organised in the country on
such a grand scale.
Established on the 3rd of February 1848, Lodge St. George No. 549 has stood as a beacon of unity, fellowship, and community service. Over the years, our lodge has played an integral role in the lives of our members and the broader community, embodying the timeless values of brotherhood and camaraderie. As we embarked on our journey toward the 175th anniversary, we envisioned a celebration that would not only honour our rich history but also leave a lasting impact on the community we proudly serve.
The idea of the St. George Football Cup emerged as a fitting tribute to our lodge’s legacy, blending the passion for football with the spirit of fraternity. While football tournaments are not uncommon, organising an event of this magnitude, encompassing teams from various age groups and skill levels, and attracting widespread community participation, was indeed unprecedented. It was a testament to our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and threlentless pursuit of excellence.
The significance of the 175th anniversary served as a catalyst for us to push boundaries and create an event that would not only captivate football enthusiasts but also resonate with individuals from all walks of life. The Inaugural St. George Football Cup aimed to transcend the boundaries of sports, fostering a sense of belonging, pride, and unity among participants and
spectators alike.
Furthermore, one of our primary objectives was to bring exposure to Freemasonry and attract new members, especially among the younger generation of good men. By hosting an event of such grandeur, we sought to showcase the values of Freemasonry – brotherhood, integrity, and community service – to a wider audience. Additionally, we aimed to raise funds of Rs. 175,000 to
be donated to the MW Bro. Jonathan Spence Education Fund, constituted by the Bombay Masonic Benevolent Fund. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to philanthropy and our dedication to supporting educational endeavours within our community.
As we reflect on this historic event, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our members, volunteers, sponsors, and the local community. The Inaugural St. George Football Cup will forever remain etched in our memories as a testament to the enduring spirit of Lodge St. George No. 549 and its commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Event Overview:
The St. George Football Cupunfolded on the meticulously
maintained turf grounds at St.Stanislaus High School in
Bandra West, serving as the perfect setting for the inaugural edition of this prestigious tournament. With 12 teams registered to compete for thecoveted champion trophy and a substantial cash prize, the excitement and anticipation were palpable among participants and spectators alike.
The Football League adopted an Open Tournament format,
offering a level playing field for teams of varying backgrounds and skill levels. The structure of a Round-Robin League cum Knockout ensured that every team had ample opportunities to showcase their talent and compete at their best.
The winning team was set to clinch the prestigious inaugural Lodge St. George Cup, a rolling trophy that would serve as a symbol of their triumph for years to come. In addition to the coveted trophy, the champions were slated to receive a generous cash prize of 50,000 rupees, further incentivizing teams to give their all on the field.
The inaugural Lodge St. George Cup awaited its rightful owner, symbolising excellence and sportsmanship.
The runners-up, second runners-up, and third runners-up were also in contention for significant cash prizes, amounting to Rs. 30,000, Rs. 20,000, and Rs. 10,000 respectively. This distribution of prizes underscored our commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence across the board, ensuring that every team’s efforts were duly acknowledged and celebrated.
All players from the winning team were slated to receive medals, serving as tangible reminders of their collective achievement and the camaraderie forged on the football field. Furthermore, every participant in the tournament would be honoured with certificates of participation, acknowledging their contribution to the success of the event.
Individual excellence was also duly recognized through coveted awards such as the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award, Golden Boot award (Top Scorer), and Golden Glove award (Most Saves). Along with the prestige associated with these accolades, recipients were entitled to cash prizes of Rs. 5000 each, adding an extra layer of competition and motivation to perform at their best.
The Golden Glove Award (Left), The Golden Boot Award (Centre), The MVP Award (Right)
The meticulous planning and attention to detail that went into organising the St. George Football Cup underscored our commitment to excellence and the promotion of sportsmanship. As the tournament unfolded, it became evident that the spirit of fellowship and competition embodied by Lodge St. George No. 549 was alive and thriving, leaving an indelible mark on all who participated and witnessed this historic event.
Opening Ceremony:
The opening ceremony of the St. George Football Cup was a spectacle to behold, marked by moments of reverence, celebration, and anticipation. Distinguished guests, including the District Grand Master of Bombay, R.W. Bro. Percy J Driver, graced the occasion, adding a touch of grandeur to the proceedings.
R.W. Bro. Percy J Driver unveils the Lodge St. George Cup and the 175th Year Souvenir, symbolising the rich heritage of Lodge St. George No. 549.
Amidst a backdrop adorned with banners and insignias representing Lodge St. George No. 549, R.W. Bro. Percy J Driver took centre stage to unveil the Lodge St. George Cup and the 175th Year Trophy. In a poignant address, he spoke eloquently about the rich heritage and storied legacy of Lodge St. George No. 549, tracing its origins back to 1848 and highlighting its unwavering commitment to community service, fellowship, and the promotion of moral and social virtues.
R.W. Bro. Percy J Driver poses for a memorable picture with all the participating teams
Following the unveiling ceremony, R.W. Bro. Percy J Driver graciously posed for a memorable picture with representatives from all the participating teams, symbolising unity, camaraderie, and the spirit of friendly competition that epitomised the St. George Football Cup.
With the formalities of the trophy unveiling and team photo completed, the organising committee took charge of orchestrating a marvellous kickoff ceremony that set the stage for an unforgettable tournament. Against the backdrop of cheers and applause from participants and spectators alike, the first match ball was ceremoniously kicked onto the field, signalling the official commencement of the St. George Football Cup.
Exhilarating Matches:
The St. George Football Cup showcased 20 exhilarating matches, totaling 147 goals, played over a span of 12 hours. Each game unfolded as a thrilling display of athleticism, strategy, and determination, captivating spectators and participants alike.
Teams demonstrated remarkable skill and cohesion throughout the Round-Robin League phase, battling for supremacy and striving to secure coveted spots in the knockout stage. Offensive prowess was on full display, with players showcasing clinical finishing and tactical ingenuity. Goalkeepers exhibited agility and reflexes, contributing to the intense competition
As the tournament progressed to the knockout stage, the stakes were raised, leading to fiercely contested matches characterised by heart-stopping moments and dramatic twists. Despite the pressure, teams displayed resilience and unwavering determination, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play.
In the end, the St. George Football Cup was not just a showcase of athletic excellence, but a celebration of unity, camaraderie, and the enduring power of football to bring communities together. The tournament left an indelible mark on all who participated, leaving behind cherished memories and lasting bonds.
Awards Presentation and Appreciations:
At the conclusion of the tournament, awards were presented to recognize outstanding achievements. The winning team, Cecilians FC was presented with the Lodge St. George Cup by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, W. Bro. Sunil Pandit, symbolising their excellence on the field. Additionally, individual players were honoured for their exceptional performance and sportsmanship, reinforcing the values of fair play and integrity.
The success of the St. George Football Cup was further evident through the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from participants and attendees. Players expressed their deep appreciation for the exceptional organisation of the event, remarking that it surpassed the standards of most tournaments they had previously participated in. They lauded the meticulous planning, professionalism, and dedication of the organising committee, which ensured that every aspect of the tournament ran seamlessly, providing players and spectators with an unparalleled experience
Moreover, we are thrilled to announce that we have already received pledges from several teams eagerly anticipating participation in the next edition of the St. George Cup, a testament to the success and anticipation generated by this year’s tournament. Even the referee officials, who were part of the official Federation presiding over the matches, expressed their appreciation and gratitude towards the organisation and committee officials for the impeccable manner in which the
football league was conducted. Their commendation further highlighted the exceptional standards upheld throughout the tournament, setting a benchmark for future events.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the inaugural St. George Football Cup stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication, innovation, and community spirit of Lodge St. George No. 549. Organising and executing an event of such magnitude, the first of its kind by Freemasons in India is a remarkable achievement that reflects our commitment to pushing boundaries and making a positive impact on our community.
Throughout the tournament, we not only showcased the excitement of football but also promoted the timeless virtues of Freemasonry – brotherhood, integrity, and community service. By fostering a sense of unity, camaraderie, and fair play among participants and spectators alike, we exemplified the principles that lie at the heart of our organisation.
Furthermore, the success of the St. George Football Cup extended beyond the field of play. Through our fundraising efforts, we were able to raise substantial funds to meet the pledge, committed by Lodge St. George No. 549 to the MW Bro. Jonathan Spence Education Fund, demonstrating our commitment to supporting educational endeavours within our community and making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
As we look towards the future, we are inspired by the overwhelming response and enthusiasm generated by this year’s tournament. We pledge to continue working tirelessly to uphold the standard of the St. George Football Cup, ensuring that it remains a beacon of excellence and community engagement for years to come. Moreover, we remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting the virtues and principles of Freemasonry, both on and off the field, as we continue our journey of making a positive impact in our community and beyond.
W.Bro. Jeff George
Head – Lodge St. George Cup Organising Committee.
Lodge St. George No. 549 UGLE