Photo Credits: Velistor Mendes.
KISHOR NAIK
AGASSAIM
Sixteen-year-old Velistor Mendes, a promising footballer from Goa Velha has been roped in by German firm U Dream Management Pvt. Ltd to be part of their training project for a period of six years.
The Std 10th student of Fr Agnel High School will be part of the training project with two other Goan signings Delton Colaco and Kimran Fernandes, who will pursue their football interests with the company and avail training under their experts during the said period.
Velistor has represented Dempo Sports Club and is one of the best footballers at Fr Agnel High School. The youngster has managed to successfully strike the right balance between football and studies, allowing him to do justice to his sporting talent.
The teenager signed his contract earlier this month in presence of U Dream officials Rahul Kamboj and Mahesh Gawli. Velistor's parents, sarpanch Jagdish Bhobhe were also present during the signing.Soccorin Mendes, Velistor's mother said the family was all excited with her son's selection. "We never stopped our son from pursuing his interests in football. We know this sport offers vast scope and six years is long enough for him to grow as a footballer. This project is a free scholarship for my son."
Velistor paid tributes to his PE teacher, Auswin, headmaster Andrew Silveira and Fr Richard Costa for the overwhelming support and guidance at the school. "Others teachers also encouraged me. My club Dempo SC and school Fr Agnel are equally responsible in my success. I have a dream to represent the national team," the youngster said. Jagdish Bhobhe, the sarpanch of Goa Velha congratulated Velistor and his family for being part of U Dream project. “It's a moment of great pride for our village that a local boy has taken steps to realise his football dreams. My best wishes are with him and his family," Bhobhe added.
