The trainees and dignitaries at South Goa United launch ceremony.
MARGAO
It’s good news for the young guns aspiring to be top-level footballers as South Goa United Football Sports and Cultural Club was officially unveiled.
Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa, Simon Rebello, chairperson of Canacona Municipal Council, Antonio Pango, vice-president of Goa Football Association, VM Prabhudessai, SAG Director, and Bibiano Fernandes, coach of the under-16 national team, and former India captain Brahmanand Shankwalkar came together to launch the newly formed football academy at Empire Sports Arena, Nuvem.
Cavin Lobo, former East Bengal midfielder and joint secretary of the academy, said that former footballers have come together in this first-of-a-kind initiative to boost youth football and create a robust system to improve football from the grassroots in the State. With the latest coaching, young footballers will benefit from the latest coaching methodologies wherein under-8, -10, -12 and -16 boys and girls can hone their skills under the right guidance, Lobo said.
Nuvem MLA D’Sa in his speech said that he was happy that the academy was established in his constituency. “This is the perfect opportunity for budding youngsters to become top players who will go on to represent the clubs and the country as they pursue their dreams,” D’Sa said.
SAG ED V M Prabhu Desai assured that his department will lend support in diet and nutrition to the academy. All the guests and dignitaries were felicitated at the hands of the Nuem MLA, who later distributed prizes for sports and games held as part of the launch ceremony.
Anthony Leo Fernandes, John Silva, both GFA executive committee members, Arnaldo D’Costa, vice-chairman of GFA Women’s Committee, Rowlin Borges, Mumbai City FC player, Joaquim Abranches, former India international, and Abdul Lateef Seriki, former Mohun Bagan footballer, were present for the ceremony. South Goa United Academy have brought on board former Sporting Clube de Goa coach Clifford Chukwuma. Terence Lobo and Linda Calada will be the head coach and coach respectively. Alvito D’Cunha, former East Bengal footballer, and Abranches will be visiting coaches.
