By Sporting Clube de Goa Media

GOA: Sporting Clube De Goa formally launched its Grassroots Football Program at Don Bosco Ground, Panjim on Thursday evening. The program is aimed at creating a platform for talent identification and development at a nascent stage for potential kids across the state of Goa. The initial focus will be on the age group of U -8, U-10 & U-12 who would undergo systematic training thrice a week under our licensed coaches.

The program will be a long term joint initiative of Sporting Clube and Don Bosco High School as both, share the vision of providing the most essential ingredient for the football eco-system of Goa. Sporting believes grassroots is the most important component required for the holistic development of football. Sporting aims to introduce a long term meticulous plan that involves, all the components starting from the infrastructure development to the education and nutritional demands of the kids. The stand out talents from this program will progress into the clubs youth ranks which are already well known for shaping up some of the finest players the state of Goa has seen. Sporting has put their infrastructure in place with the help of Don Bosco’s as they launched the Club House and training ground at Don Bosco premises in the year 2013.

In a press briefing attended by the management of Sporting which included the clubs CEO Mr. Victor Fernandes, General Secretary Mr. Edward Noronha and Competition Manger Mr. Angelo Albuquerque.

The Clubs General Secretary Mr. Edward Noronha said “Identifying talent at an early age is very important. For this the kid need to be aware that Sports is healthy for both the mind and the body, if it can be tailored well with academics then there is a lot we can achieve.”   He further added “Sports imbibes a sense of discipline on & off the field. It impacts the entire life style of the kids for example what time they wake up and what time they go to sleep. Sports also guides and encourages them to lead a healthy life in terms of proper nutrition and exercise. The benefits’ are countless.”

Sporting Clube CEO Mr. Victor Fernandes said “With this grassroots program we are strengthening base of our football pyramid, starting with the U-8 to 12, lower age groups U- 5 to U-7 will be added in due course. This grassroots program will be the feeder for our U-14 Academy team.”

He also added “At Sporting we wish to stay out of the number game. We are more interested in a process. We will be focusing on a manageable number where every kid who is enrolled in our program gets the necessary attention.”

Fr. Avan Carvalho of Don Bosco High School mentioned “The relationship of Sporting and Don Bosco High school is a very special one. We share a similar vision and at Don Bosco we encourage our kids to participate in sports as it is essential for a healthy mind and body. We are looking forward to this program with great enthusiasm.”
On the occasion dignitaries also unveiled the Academy jerseys which were later distributed among the kids.