The opening days of the new academic year featured the traditional matriculation football match, in which the seminarians faced a team made up of students from the propaedeutic year, including the new spiritual director, Fr. Igor.

The match opened with a blessing from Bishop Cyril, who also performed the ceremonial first kick. The game then got underway, featuring plenty of determination, impressive football moves, shots on goal, and intense individual duels.

The match also saw an unfortunate moment when a sixth-year seminarian sustained an injury. Despite this incident, the game continued in a spirit of sportsmanship. The newcomers from the propaedeutic year showed great effort and determination, but once again, they were unable to end the seminarians’ long-standing winning streak.

After regular time, a penalty shootout added another dose of excitement to the match. In the end, the final score was a convincing 12–3 victory for the seminarians.

Following the sporting event, everyone gathered for a pleasant and informal get-together around a cauldron of traditional goulash. Conversations continued, the highlights of the match were recalled, and the gathering was filled with good cheer.

Once again, the matriculation football match brought together sport and community, providing an enjoyable start to the new academic year.

author: Milan Dzurňák

photos: Milan Dzurňák