Hebron Football Cup

Hebron Football Cup 2025: A Celebration of School Football, Spirit, and Legacy in Siliguri, West Bengal

By – School Editorial Team

August 2025 — The roar of the crowd, the rhythm of drums, and the determined chants of supporters are once again echoing across the football fields of Hebron School, New Rangia. The Hebron Football Cup (HFC) 2025, now in its fourth year, has cemented its place as one of the region’s premier inter-school tournaments, combining sporting excellence with a spirit of community and celebration. With 20 participating schools and a carefully structured league-cum-knockout format, the 2025 edition promises to be the most competitive yet.

 From Humble Beginnings to Regional Prestige

The Hebron Football Cup was born in 2022, envisioned by Hebron School as a platform for young footballers to showcase their skills on a bigger stage. The inaugural edition featured 12 schools, culminating in Doon Heritage School, Siliguri, lifting the maiden trophy.

The event grew rapidly. By 2023, 16 schools participated, and Mahbert High School, Siliguri, announced themselves as a powerhouse by securing the title. The following year, 2024, witnessed 19 schools battling it out, with Mahbert repeating their dominance by retaining the trophy in a thrilling final played on 5th September, Teacher’s Day, adding an emotional dimension to their victory.

Now, in 2025, the Hebron Football Cup has reached its largest scale to date with 20 competing schools. This growth reflects not just the organizational excellence of Hebron School but also the rising prestige of the Cup in the regional sporting calendar. The grand finale is scheduled for 17th September 2025.

 A Grand Opening Ceremony

The tournament was formally inaugurated on 27th August 2025 with a grand opening ceremony that brought together students, teachers, parents, and distinguished guests. The program began with a prayer and the reading of scripture, setting a solemn and meaningful tone before the celebrations unfolded.

The highlight of the ceremony came when Rev. Mammen Joseph, Founder Director of Hebron School, officially declared the tournament open, inspiring players and spectators alike with words that emphasized discipline, character, and unity through sport.

A Platform for Schools, By Schools

Unlike many competitions that admit clubs and academies, the Hebron Football Cup remains strictly schools-only. This exclusivity keeps the focus on students who balance academics and sport, giving them a rare chance to represent their institution on a high-profile stage.

The format ensures that every team plays multiple matches in the league stage, before the knockout rounds decide the true champions. By restricting entries to schools, the Cup preserves the spirit of scholastic competition, levels the playing field, and ensures that victories are built on teamwork rather than professional experience.

 Spirit and Inspiration

Every edition of the Cup has been guided by the belief that sport teaches life lessons beyond the field. The tournament draws inspiration from Lionel Messi’s words: “You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.”

This philosophy echoes through the players’ grit, the coaches’ commitment, and the organizers’ tireless efforts. The Hebron Football Cup has also become a festival of sorts—bands, cheering squads, and cultural performances often frame the matches, giving the event a vibrant community feel. Parents, alumni, and sports enthusiasts from across the region attend, making the tournament not only a sporting spectacle but also a social gathering.

 Looking Ahead

As the tournament progresses through league rounds and into knockout battles, the excitement is palpable. Supporters are waiting eagerly to see whether the defending champions will falter or whether a dark horse will claim the crown.

But beyond the silverware, the true victory lies in what the Hebron Football Cup has become: a beacon of youth football, a gathering of community, and a legacy of sporting inspiration for generations to come.