PANAJI
The Canacona Sports Academy GFDC Devabag Centre organised a Football Kit Distribution function at St Anthony’s High School hall, Galgibaga, on Tuesday.
Present were Poinguinim Sarpanch Savita Tawadkar, Member Secretary of Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) Fransquinha Oliveira, Deputy Sarpanch Sunil Painginkar, panch member Pravir Bhandari, Headmistress of St Anthony’s HS Arlyn C. Lopes e Mascarenhas, and Centre Head Sharendra Naik.
In her address, Savita said this is a very good opportunity for children.
“Practice is essential before any game, therefore, extra coaching is needed. Football is our state sport and the credit goes to the former chief minister and defence minister, the late Manohar Parrikar, and the then sports minister, who has done a lot of work,” she said.
She urged students that representing the state in sports can enable job aspirants to secure government jobs at the state and national level, like the railways.
“Sports can also be a viable career option. Put in extra effort, maintain your overall well-being, including mental, and also focus on academic performance,” she added.
Stating that the event is not only about distributing football kits, Fransquinha said that it is about encouraging dreams, building confidence and motivating our young footballers to strive for excellence.
“GFDC was established with a clear vision to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level across Goa. Our centres provide quality coaching, discipline and opportunities for children to develop both as footballers and responsible individuals,” she said.
She said that the Devabag centre has become one of GFDC’s proud success stories.
“The achievement of each player reflects the dedication of the coaches, the support of parents and the determination of the children themselves. Some of the centre's students have represented the state at the junior national championship and junior Asian championship, as well as at the club level. These achievements demonstrate that with proper coaching and continuous support, our young footballers can compete at the highest level,” she said.
“Football kits are more than just uniforms; they symbolise pride, belonging, discipline and responsibility. I encourage every player to wear them with honour, work hard in every training session, respect their coaches and teammates and uphold the spirit of fair play,” she added.
Arlyn called for encouraging and supporting students.
“GFDC has provided them with football kits. These kits will inspire them to pursue their passion. The passion of playing football with confidence and determination. May this be an inspiration to you so that you play with dedication and true sportsmanship and make us proud through your achievement,” she said.
Sunil said that parents’ support is essential for the children to pursue sports.
