Panaji: A total of 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 footballers, coaches, sports administrators, local representatives and members of the football community, highlighting the importance of grassroots sports development and encouraging children to take up football from an early age.
The programme 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, President of Portais Sporting Club Ryan Cardoso, coaches Leena Gaunso and Pratap Sawant, Centre Head Elizabeth Viegas, and Ground and Kit In-charge Susheela Gonsalves.
Addressing the 104 young players, Dhaku Madkaikar stressed the importance of sports and physical activity in a child’s overall development.
He encouraged students to spend time playing and said that physical fitness should be developed from a young age. According to him, football is not only a sport but also an important part of a child’s education, helping develop fitness, discipline and teamwork.
Madkaikar highlighted that the GFDC currently has 36 sporting centres and around 64 coaches across Goa. Through these centres, young players are provided football kits, including T-shirts, shorts and shoes, twice a year.
He urged the young footballers to make the best use of the facilities and maintain discipline both on and off the field.
“Discipline earns you rewards in life,” he told the children, encouraging them to respect the sport, their coaches and the opportunities available to them.
Old Goa Sarpanch Medha Parvatkar congratulated Portais Sporting Club, GFDC and the organisers for their efforts in creating opportunities for young footballers in the area.
She said that 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 young players to train with dedication, respect their coaches and work towards bringing laurels to Old Goa and the state.
Old Goa Panch member Sandra Gonsalves recalled that the proposal to establish a GFDC centre at the local ground had initially faced objections due to concerns that the facility could affect access for local children.
However, after discussions with Portais Sporting Club President Ryan Cardoso, who presented the plan and timetable for the ground’s use, the Panchayat was convinced and eventually approved the proposal.
She encouraged children to take advantage of the coaching facilities that have now become accessible closer to their homes.
The event reflected the growing focus on grassroots football development in Goa, providing young players with the necessary support, coaching and equipment to develop their skills and pursue their passion for the sport.
With 104 young footballers receiving kits and access to structured coaching, the initiative marks another step towards nurturing the next generation of football talent from Old Goa.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
