Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) inaugurated its 36th training centre at Rumdamol-Davorlim in association with Davorlim Rangers Sports Club at Rumdamol panchayat ground recently. A total of 200 trainees have already enrolled at the centre.
Today, GFDC has 36 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, 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 Goa Football Association (GFA) President, Churchill Alemao was the Chief Guest at the inauguration of this new centre.
“Parents should encourage their kids to play football alongside their studies. There is a lot of footballing talent in Goa. For example, Lenny Rodrigues and Brandon Fernandes from South Goa are today playing for FC Goa,” said Alemao.
Speaking at the function the guest of honour and Navelim MLA, Luizinho Faleiro said that this was the second GFDC centre at Navelim to improve the local footballing talent.
“In Navelim there are many football enthusiasts who have a keen interest in football. This football training program will be held across 365 days. Nutrition and coaching will be provided to the trainees coming to this centre,” said Faleiro.
While the special invitee and Member Secretary GFDC, Aleixo da Costa said it was a proud moment to inaugurate a grassroots football centre at Davorlim- Navelim and hopes to see it become one of the best centres.
“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. From Morjim to Canacona and from Sanguem to Vasco we have 36 centres. 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. We are spending around Rs. 25 per day on each child to provide them with nutrition. We are trying to tap talent at a young age and see that they grow up to be future stars,” said Costa.
Also seen were panchayat members and other sports enthusiasts from Navelim constituency.