PANAJI/ 08/20/2020:: Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) inaugurated its 37th training centre at Santa Cruz in association with Crown Club Santa- Cruz at the football ground recently. A total of 100 trainees have already enrolled at the centre. This centre will cater to boys and girls from St Cruz, Chimbel, Merces in various age categories such as U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16.
Today, GFDC has 37 grassroots centres to promote the official sport of Goa and train kids between the age group of 6 to 14 years. Over 4000 young football enthusiastic from across the state of Goa are frequent goers to the GFDC centres set up at their respective localities, the majority of these centres being situated in the hinterland areas. There are 100 odd coaches to assist and mould these kids to become better footballers.
The Chief Guest and EX-MLA of St Cruz, Victor Gonsalves praised the parents for sending their children forward for football training.
“I am happy to see that girls have come forward to play football. Children should take seriously the opportunity they have got. GFDC is making football training available for children from a very young age. I wish all the students from this centre good luck,”said Gonsalves.
While the special invitee and Member Secretary GFDC, Aleixo da Costa said it was a proud moment to inaugurate a grassroots football centre at Santa Cruz and requested the trainees to attend coaching regularly.
“GFDC was formed in 2012 by Ex-CM, Manohar Parrikar to develop the game of football. GFDC is striving to develop football at the grassroots level.Over 4,000 trainees are enrolled with us who get a full time coach, nutrition and football kit. We provide coaching to the trainees on a daily basis free of cost. I do not recall seeing any football club from St Cruz taking part in any football tournaments. The reason behind starting centre is to tie together the broken string.When a child indulges in sports he burns calories and at the same time his mind is fresh. A child who takes part in outdoor activity can study better than a child who is kept indoors. if you train hard and learn the technique than St Cruz will see stars like Mandar Rao Dessai and Brandon Fernandes emerge from here,”said Costa.
