PANAJI
Mae dos Pobres HS and Holy Rosary Convent from Nuvem have been adopted under this programme, which is more of a training-cum-scouting initiative. A total of 75 children under 6-14 age group are part of VFS at Nuvem.
"The concept of Vedanta Football Schools is an extension of outreach programme beyond the residential academies in Sirsaim and Sanquelim under the brand name of Sesa FA. We realised that we could offer only limited spots at the residential academies, to the Goan players. Beyond that, there were so many young players who are in need of professional coaching. So we are taking these Vedanta football schools to them," explained Sukhwinder Singh CEO, Sesa FA. He is hoping that some of the kids from the Nuvem centre have it in them to continue their training and graduate from the Sesa FA in future. Sukhwinder also revealed that Vedanta are looking to start such schools in North and South Goa in near future. "We are seriously looking at Majorda," said the former FC Goa CEO.
Eduard Battle Basart, Head Coach of Sesa FA, highlighted the importance of having an uniform methodology from technical point of view. "We have the kids from six to 14 years group here, and they need to be taught the same basics and fundamentals, to develop in this phase. And who knows, they can become players in our academy in future," said the Spanish coach who was formerly with Manchester United and FC Barcelona academy.
Sesa FA Chief Mentor, Brahmanand Shankhwalkar, underlined the contribution of Nuvem to football in the state. "Nuvem has provided many footballers to the State and the country. They all had natural abilities, with their further development taking place at the respective clubs they played for. With Eduard from Barcelona onboard at Sesa FA, the youngsters from here will learn a lot of things from his programme. By the time they are 14 or 15 age group, they can be trained at the academy, depending on their progress. I feel the development of these kids will be faster. We are looking forward to supply Goa a lot of boys," said the Arjuna Awardee former India goalkeeper, adding that Sanvordem is also on the radar for the fifth football school.
ZP member Ruben Costa praised Vedanta's initiative. "Vedanta Football Schools is a great initiative by Vedanta Limited. Sports is the medium that can inspire and engage youth in an indescribable way. VFS will help skill latent talent as well as inculcate sporting skills in children," said Costa.
