A file photo of Zico De Souza and former Mayor of Swindon Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh during a free football coaching camp for kids in Swindon.
LONDON
Zico De Souza, a former footballer from Goa, has become a quiet force of change in Swindon, UK.
Driven by a passion to give back, Zico has been offering free football coaching to young people—not for fame or fortune, but to steer them toward a brighter future.
Through football, he’s teaching more than just skills; he’s instilling discipline, confidence, and a sense of direction in the lives of those who need it most.
What started as Zico’s personal mission has now evolved into a growing community movement. He has recently been joined by few other former players, Risven Fernandes, Mevlish DCosta, Florence Fernandes, Aaron Cardoso, Denzyl Cabral and Glen Correia, who share Zico’s vision and values.
Together, they work tirelessly, volunteering their time to ensure every child has a chance—not only to become a better footballer, but to become a better person.
This collective effort has gained strong support from Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh, former Mayor of Swindon, who is working closely with the team to create a real platform for young talent. Their shared goal: to give youth in Swindon the chance to grow into professional footballers, while staying away from the dangers of gangs, drugs, and negative influences.
To further inspire the students and showcase their progress, an exhibition match was recently organised—an exciting milestone in this journey.
A file photo of Zico De Souza during a free football coaching camp for kids in Swindon.
The event was made even more special by the presence of former international player and former Dempo player and Coach, Camilo Gonsalves, a legendary figure from Goa who made history in his time. Camilo watched the young players closely and was deeply impressed by their potential and dedication.
Addressing the children after the match, Camilo said: “You are extremely lucky to have a coach like Zico and this amazing team, giving you their time and knowledge—for free. In today’s world, that kind of selfless dedication is rare.”
“You’re also blessed to have hard-working parents who provide you with the best kits, love, and support. Don’t take it for granted. Make them proud. Make the right choices. Dedicate yourself to football—you have the talent and now, you have the guidance.”
Those words resonated deeply with the young players, their families, and the community. They served as a powerful reminder that football is more than a game—it’s a vehicle for change, character, and opportunity.
Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh was full of praise for Zico and his team, offering his full support to their initiative.
A file photo of Zico De Souza and former Mayor of Swindon Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh during a free football coaching camp for kids in Swindon.
“Through their tireless work, Zico De Souza and his team are building more than just a football programme—they are nurturing futures, building resilience, and creating a legacy of community empowerment that will be felt for generations to come,” said Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh.
“I am privileged to support Zico in any way I can. Coaches like him play a vital role in our community, providing free football training so our children can grow, stay active, and learn important values like discipline and respect.”
“His work helps guide young people in a positive direction and keeps them away from trouble. As a community, we must stand behind and support initiatives like this 100%.”
