PANAJI
The Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) celebrated its 14th anniversary at the Atal Stadium, Cujira, on Wednesday, with Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar calling for greater accountability in football development and proposing two residential football academies to strengthen the State's grassroots programme.
The function was attended by GFDC Chairman Glenn Souza Ticlo, Vice-Chairman Dhaku A Madkaikar, Sports Authority of Goa Executive Director and Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Dr Ajay Gaude, GFDC Member Secretary Fransquinha Oliveira, along with coaches, trainees and parents.
Paying tribute to late chief minister Manohar Parrikar, Ticlo described him as the visionary behind the formation of GFDC and the declaration of football as Goa's State Sport. He said the Council has expanded significantly over the past 14 years.
"GFDC today operates 36 training centres with 64 qualified coaches, nurturing thousands of young footballers across the State while laying a strong foundation for the future of Goan football," he said.
Tawadkar said the Council had reached an important milestone but stressed that Goa must now focus on producing more players capable of representing the State and the country.
"We have coaches, physical education teachers and infrastructure, but we need greater accountability and commitment. Excuses such as rain or heat cannot hinder development. We must ask ourselves whether we have produced at least 50 to 100 players capable of representing Goa and India," he said.
The minister proposed establishing two residential football academies with hostel facilities for around 50 young players to provide professional coaching and a structured training environment.
Dr Ajay Gaude praised GFDC's contribution to grassroots football, saying it had played a vital role in identifying and nurturing young talent. He stressed the need to further strengthen academies and introduce a proper league structure to provide regular competitive opportunities for young footballers.
Oliveira said the anniversary celebrated a vision that had transformed grassroots football in Goa. She noted that several GFDC trainees had gone on to represent India at the international level and reaffirmed the Council's commitment to making Goa the football capital of India.
During the programme, GFDC honoured its coaches, centre heads and groundspersons for their contribution over the past 14 years. Seventeen members of the GFDC family were also felicitated for their dedicated service.
