104 budding footballers receive kits at GFDC’s Old Goa event
Panaji: Portais Sporting Club, in association with the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), held a kit distribution ceremony at the Old Goa Educational Institute High School Hall on Thursday.
Present were Chief Guest and Vice President of GFDC, Dhaku Madkaikar, GFDC Assistant Technical Director Lawjyo Gomes, and Guest of Honour, Old Goa Sarpanch Medha Parvatkar. Also present were 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; special invitee and 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.
Dhaku told the 104 students gathered at the event that they must spend time playing.
“What is sports? You are studying, the teacher is teaching you well. But physical fitness that comes from sports comes when you start young. Along with pre-primary schooling, football is also a form of education. Football is a state sport. Playing, improving your fitness, exercising keeps your health fit,” he said.
“We have 36 sporting centres and around 64 coaches across the state. At these centres, we provide football kits, which is T-shirt, pant and shoes, twice a year. You all must use these kits well, and play well. Don’t make mischief on the ground, be disciplined in sport. Discipline earns you rewards in life. I request you all to maintain discipline,” he urged the children.
Medha congratulated Portais Sporting Club, GFDC, and all the organisers, as well as Ryan, for taking the initiative to secure a good future for the children.
“I am proud to be here as the Old Goa Sarpanch to distribute these kits for the children. Sports keeps the youth healthy, disciplined, and united. Playing football at the village level means building the future of Goan football. To all our players, play with dedication, respect your coaches, and bring laurels to Old Goa and the state,” she said.
Sandra said that initially, the application to host the GFDC centre at the ground was rejected over concerns that local children would be affected.
“It was thought that the panchayat ground will be utilised by someone else and our children won’t be able to play. And so, many objected to the proposal. But Ryan met us all and gave his views, the plan, and the timetable. And then we were convinced. And that’s how the panchayat finally gave the approval to use the panchayat ground for practices,” she said.
“I want to tell the children that just like our government’s Sarkar Tumchea Dari initiative, these coaching practices have come to your doorstep. Take advantage of this. Football is a world-famous game. You will gain in fitness as well,” she added.
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