Grassroots Football Camp for Aldona Constituency Kids Concludes at Moira

MAPUSA: A 10-day Summer Football Camp organised by Kick Off Football Schools in collaboration with PACT Foundation, concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony at the A.A. de Moira Ground, Moira, on Sunday, bringing together over 72 young footballers from the Aldona constituency in what organisers described as a milestone for grassroots sport in the region.

The camp, fully funded and supported by PACT Foundation, was open to boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 14, with the initiative deliberately designed to ensure equal access to quality football training regardless of gender or financial background.

Present on the occasion were Aldona MLA Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira; Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Founder of PACT Foundation; Caetano Cardozo, Member of A.A. de Moira; Oscar Lobo, President of A.A. de Moira; Andrea Fernandes, Founder, Kick Off Football Schools; and Jonas Fernandes, Head Coach of Kick Off Football Schools.

The camp drew participation from 72 children, with the organisers noting with pride that the initiative aligned with six United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, spanning Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Communities, and Partnerships for the Goals.

Addressing the trainees, Aldona MLA Adv. Ferreira stressed the importance of discipline, goal-setting, and the values that sport instils beyond the field. “Whenever you want to score, you need to have a goal in mind. It’s not only about football. To achieve something in life, you must set goals and benchmarks. If you aim high, you push yourself further,” he said, encouraging the children to balance sport and academics with equal commitment.

Dr. Fernandes, in his address, drew inspiration from Goa’s own football legend Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, the Arjuna Award winner and one of the finest footballers the state has produced, who himself began his journey on a muddy village ground with makeshift goalposts. Dr Fernandes used the story to remind the young trainees that greatness has humble beginnings, and that the ground they trained on was no different from where champions are made. He also made special mention of the girl participants, commending their enthusiasm, commitment, and skill throughout the camp, and noting that their presence was central to the spirit of the initiative.

“At PACT Foundation, we wanted to remove barriers and ensure every child has access to experienced coaches, kits, and the opportunity to grow. Beyond football, this camp is about teamwork, discipline, and life skills that will stay with them long after the final whistle,” he said.

Head Coach Jonas Fernandes echoed the sentiment, noting that the camp’s impact extended well beyond football technique. “This was not just about training, it was about building confidence, character, and a love for the game. We hope every child here continues to chase their dreams, on and off the field,” he said.

The camp was made possible through the ground support of A.A. de Moira Club, with the closing ceremony also featuring the felicitation of the coaching team and the distribution of medals and certificates to all participants.