MARGAO
A hockey camp for beginners was organised by Fr Domnick Alvares, Mission in-charge, Sonshi-Honda, Sattari under their Sports for Youth Development project in collaboration with Hockey Kheluia NGO. The camp was launched by Peter Fernandes and supported by Hockey Heritage Group Goa which gets underway at Government High School, Morlem.
The camp aims to help beginners develop the basic skills they need to play the game. The goal of the programme is to improve player confidence and ensure they are familiar with all the fundamental aspects of the game. According to Clarance Lobo, former India men’s team coach and a Dronacharya awardee, the programme is intended to be a fun event that can spark children’s interest to continue playing recreational hockey.
“A lot of hockey schools provide camps for kids who already play organized hockey,” Lobo said. “This is an opportunity for kids to get the same coaching at our elite camp, but tailored to their needs and abilities.”
Children will learn basic skating and balance techniques, as well as play mini-games to improve skills like passing and puck-handling. Participants are grouped according to age and ability to ensure they are well-matched with others at the same level. Children are not required to know how to skate before starting the programme.
Fr Alvares said, “This is a good opportunity for kids to learn from a highest-level coach like Lobo. About 45 trainees, both boys and girls, are attending the camp.”
