Young and budding football talent Soham Nagvekar caught the eye at the Reliance Youth Cup, a cornerstone event in youth football, helping his team Vasantrao Dempo Higher Secondary School, top the league stage of the tournament. His stellar performance throughout the tournament earned him the ‘Man of the Tournament’ title along with the ‘Golden Boot’ and ‘Golden Ball’ awards.
Soham, the son of the former Sarpanch of Arpora, Nagoa, ShriKrishna Nagvekar, has emerged as a football prodigy, captivating audiences with his skills in this tournament that spanned from November 21st to December 6th. The event saw top teams including St. Alex Higher Secondary, Father Agnel Higher Secondary, Damodar Higher Secondary, Rosary Higher Secondary, Government Higher Secondary School vie for top honours.
Soham’s journey in football is marked by rigorous training and an impressive pedigree. A former cadet of the Super 30 Football Academy, he spent five crucial developmental years under the tutelage of Coach Ricardo Cardozo. His time at Super 30 was foundational, setting the stage for his recent move to the Dempo under-19 squad, where he continues to refine his skills with aspirations of a professional career.
“Reflecting on my football journey, I feel incredibly fortunate. Starting with Super 30, moving to Super Goans, and now with Dempo, each step has been a remarkable learning experience. The Reliance Youth Tournament was a significant milestone, boosting my confidence immensely,” Soham said Speaking after the tournament.
In the Reliance Youth Cup, Soham’s performances were nothing short of spectacular. He kicked off with a goal against Damodar Higher Secondary, contributing to a 4-2 win. He continued to dominate, scoring four goals against St. Alex, and netting crucial goals in subsequent matches, including a hat-trick against Government Higher Secondary School in the final round.
Soham’s crowning achievement came in the last game against Rosary Higher Secondary, where his goal helped Vasantrao Dempo Higher Secondary win the game 4-2.
Soham Nagvekar’s journey from a promising cadet at Super 30 to a key player in the Dempo under-19 squad, and his remarkable exploits in the Reliance Youth Cup, paint the picture of a young athlete with immense potential and a bright future in football. His talent, nurtured by his past experiences and current training, is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring footballers across the nation.
“I’m eager to bring this energy and experience to the bigger leagues, ready for the challenges ahead. My footballing journey has been not just about playing the game, but also about growing with every match and every team. I’m excited for what the future holds,” Soham added.
The Reliance Youth Cup, by highlighting such talents as Soham, continues to be a pivotal platform for nurturing football in India, showcasing and developing the skills of young athletes.
