MARGAO
The Goa Football Development Council’s (GFDC) which held its 12th anniversary celebration last week at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim is looking for one of its own players making it to the national team. The moment has not arrived yet and all are waiting for it, including the State Sports Minister Govind Gaude.
Acknowledging the dedication of GFDC coaches and staff over the past 12 years, Gaude highlighted the importance of consistent effort and the role of coaches in shaping young talent.
"Only when we produce an international player can we say we’ve truly achieved something," he said, urging everyone to work unitedly to strengthen the sport in Goa. He further expressed his appreciation to Goa Football Association President Dr Caitano Fernandes who through his passion is taking football to greater heights in Goa.
GFDC, founded on July 29, 2012 by the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, was launched with the mission of promoting football as the official sport of Goa and nurturing talent across the state.
Is on the right path, questions galore, first and foremost why does not the GFDC have a coaching manual of its own for its coaches?
Any school has its own sets of books while coaching academies have their own set of coaching manuals which all coaches follow at all age-group levels and across all teams.
Every club, region and a country had a unique style of play which they identify as their own in the game of football. Goa has its unique brand of football which is different from other states.
Most of the famous football players from Goa who have made a name for themselves serving for various as Technical Directors and coaches know the importance of it.
Goa Football Coaches Association (GFCA) was formed with an eye to ‘improve the quality of coaching’ throughout the state besides having other goals in mind.
Many reputed coaches expressed a need to have a coaching manual for coaches in the state. It is here they feel Goa Football Development Council should step in and have a coaching manual for their GFDC coaches.
Why the GFDC do not have a coaching manual of their own and why the coaches at GFDC are left to have their way on coaching is not an ideal situation for the good of the budding footballers and football culture.
One former football player turned physical education teacher questioned GFDC work over the years.
“Has anyone done a detailed analysis of the work carried out by GFDC over the years in 30 plus centres spread over the state. Where is the accountability of the coaches, and other staff who are monitoring the coaches who are working at the centres, in terms of performance assessment,” he questioned.
He also said that some assessment should be done of what GFDC centres have achieved when crores of rupees have been spent on the centres in terms of refreshments, kits, salaries of coaches and office staff.
“After so many years GFDC should have been on a higher note. But no post mortem is happening after every five years,” lamented Agnelo Gomes of Navelim.
Franklyn Roncon, is the Football Development Officer and looks after the Management part of the 35 centres while Lawjyo Gomes, heads the technical section.
Asked about the coaching manual Dr Geeta Nagvenkar, Member Secretary said: “The Coaches are periodically educated through Practical and Theory Workshops and are provided coaching material by AIFF/AFC Certified Instructors. The Coaches have to submit monthly session plans which are assessed by the Technical Section.”
Explaining the coaching set up she said, “The Center Head and coaches report to the Technical Section and Coordination Section.”
She said nutrition and equipment is provided by GFDC at Rs 40 per day per trainee at the center, football kits ----Jersey, Shorts, football shoes, shin guards and socks are provided to trainees. Equipment such as footballs, cones, markers, agility ladders, agility poles, bibs etc to every center.
Asked about the support GFDC provides its coaches to upgrade their coaching badges Dr Geeta said: “The Coaches are encouraged to upgrade their coaching licences and GFDC provides reimbursement towards Course fees if the coaches pass and upgrade their Coaching License.”
