There’s a particular kind of generosity baked into the game of football. No game is more universal: it takes root anywhere, in any conditions, and gives back in ways that go far beyond the game itself. That spirit will be on full display at the upcoming inaugural Columbus Cup later this month in Goa…
The Columbus Project was created to make that generosity available to those who need it most. Conceived by 17-year-old Columbus Spence and supported by his father, Karma Group Founder & Chairman John Spence, the initiative identifies children from underprivileged backgrounds and gives them professional coaching, quality facilities, and a genuine pathway into the game. At its core is a partnership with Ace Soccer Academy, led by AFC ‘A’ Level-accredited Head Coach Umer Mutawali.
The results are already speaking for themselves. At the recent Goa Summer Cup 4.0 in Parra, twelve-year-old Deepak Lamani – a Columbus Project alumnus, loaned to Salgaocar FC, scored seven goals across the tournament, collected the Best Striker award, and was named Best Player of the Tournament.
Now onto the next chapter: Karma Group and Ace Soccer Academy present the first Columbus Cup 2026, a two-day Under-13 seven-a-side tournament bringing together twelve teams from across Goa at Soul Blaze, Dabolim, on 20–21 June 2026.
Come down, bring your support, and watch the next generation announce themselves.
