Charles D'Souza
MARGAO
The inter-village tournament is one of the lifelines of Goan football and is arguably one of the best breeding grounds for aspiring footballers.Young and talented football players are given opportunities by their local village clubs in the inter village tournaments, thus setting a stage to develop their football careers.
Football being the top sport in Goa, there is a club existing in each village. The clubs to augument funds for their teams organize inter-village tournament which attracts huge crowds.The finals of these tournament are occasionally held on village feast days making the day a vibrant and joyous one for the masses in general.
Inter village tournaments do not exist in other states and as such it remains a unique competition being conducted in Goa. Playing for a village club is a challenge for footballer and a much bigger achievement if they manage to win a trophy for their village. Hence players take the field with determination and dedication. Adding to the fervor is the passion amongst supporters of the teams who collectively assemble to watch their players fight it out with rivals at the village grounds, thus making it an eye-cathing affair.
Approximately more than 100 village tournaments are conducted throughout the year in many villages but for the last decade the village of Benaulim has created a record of their own as the clubs from this village are organinzing six inter-village football tournaments starting from June every year at the famous the St John the Baptist Dando Grounds, Benaulim.
The Custodio Memorial Trophy at Raia, Bandodkar Shield at Vasco, Chandor Seamen Cup at Chandor, The Gold Silver Rolling Trophy at Navelim are some of the traditional inter-village football tournaments which are being organized for more than three decades now. These days inter-village tournaments offer handsome cash prizes and improvisation has been made to reward players for their individual performances.
Goa has produced many international players and most of them have become famous footballers. If one looks back at their progress to the top they have come up the ranks by representing their village clubs at inter village football tournaments.
Since the tournaments are organized round the year, footballers are getting the chance to develop and improve their skills. Tournaments are conducted in the North and South districts, but it is the Taluka of Salcete which organises most of the tournaments. Large crowds driven by their love and for the village is a common sight at the village tournament and the popularity is growing every year. The inter village tournament has been a boon for the budding footballers to start their career and it is also a pride for the villagers when the local clubs triumph and come home with the trophy.
Prakash Dessai, president of Cuncolim Union described the inter village football tournament as the grooming ground for the footballers. " With local boys playing for the team, it is natural that the villagers support their club. Attractive housie prizes also add to the excitment of the tournament," said Dessai.
Valentino Baretto, treasurer of CRC Chinchinim - one of the oldest club in the State explained: "Inter village football tournament provides a huge opportuntiy for the emerging players to move up and excel in their career. It builds up a footballer's career," observed Barretto.
Lending his thoughts, Ronny Diniz , Sports Secretary of United Club of Benaulim and former player himself described the inter village tournament as a launching pad for aspiring footballers. "Without inter-village tournament, Goa will be struggling to produce top footballers.With so many tournaments organized every year, young players get the right opportunity to perform and shine. The capability of the footballers can be judged at this tournament and can be picked up by big clubs," pointed out Diniz.
The secretary of Navelim Villagers Union, Romeo Pires said: " Tournaments attract big crowds and when you play for a village team the crowd also backs the local boys. It's natural that the crowd attendance for such tournament is on the higher side," said Pires.
Anthony Costa, Sports Secretary of Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club described, organizing the inter village football tournament is much better than the GFA tournament and the crowd attendance is justified. "GFA league is not getting organized the way it should be and lack of professionalism is showing," Costa noted.
