Panaji: As many as 104 budding footballers received sports kits at a special distribution ceremony organised by Portais Sporting Club in association with the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) at the Old Goa Educational Institute High School Hall.
The event brought together young players, coaches, local representatives and football enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of grassroots sports development and encouraging children to pursue football with discipline and dedication.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Guest and Vice President of GFDC, Dhaku Madkaikar, GFDC Assistant Technical Director Lawjyo Gomes, and Guest of Honour and Old Goa Sarpanch Medha Parvatkar.
Others present included Old Goa Panch members Sandra Gonsalves and Harshad Dhulapkar, Headmaster of Old Goa Educational Institute High School Dattaram Shetkar, Goa Football Academy Executive Member Anthony Vaz, social worker Glen Cabral, former India international Denzil Franco, Portais Sporting Club President Ryan Cardoso, coaches Leena Gaunso and Pratap Sawant, Centre Head Elizabeth Viegas, and ground and kit in-charge Susheela Gonsalves.
“Sports is also a form of education”
Addressing the 104 students, Dhaku Madkaikar stressed the importance of introducing children to sports from a young age.
He said that while classroom education remains important, physical fitness and discipline gained through sports play an equally valuable role in a child’s development.
“Football is also a form of education. It is our state sport, and playing regularly helps improve fitness and health,” he told the young players.
Madkaikar said GFDC currently operates 36 sporting centres with around 64 coaches across Goa. Players at these centres are provided football kits, including T-shirts, shorts and shoes, twice a year.
He urged the children to use the facilities and opportunities well while maintaining discipline both on and off the field.
“Be disciplined in sport. Discipline earns you rewards in life,” he said.
Building the future of Goan football
Old Goa Sarpanch Medha Parvatkar congratulated Portais Sporting Club, GFDC and the organisers for their efforts to create opportunities for young footballers.
She said sports play an important role in keeping young people healthy, disciplined and united.
“Playing football at the village level means building the future of Goan football,” she said, encouraging the players to train with dedication, respect their coaches and work towards bringing laurels to Old Goa and the state.
From concerns to community support
Old Goa Panch member Sandra Gonsalves recalled that there had initially been concerns about allowing the GFDC centre to operate at the local panchayat ground.
Some residents feared that the use of the ground by an organised football centre could affect opportunities for local children to play.
However, after discussions with Portais Sporting Club President Ryan Cardoso, who presented the proposed plan and timetable for the centre, the panchayat was convinced and approved the use of the ground for coaching and practice sessions.
Sandra encouraged the children to make full use of the opportunity now available to them.
Comparing the initiative to services being brought closer to people, she said the football coaching programme had effectively come to the doorstep of local children.
With 104 young players receiving kits and access to structured coaching, the initiative marks another step towards strengthening grassroots football and nurturing the next generation of Goan footballers.
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