PANAJI
Dempo Sports Club owner Shrinivas Dempo shared insights on the progress of football in India, particularly in Goa, since the inception of the Indian Super League (ISL). He highlighted various aspects indicating the evolution of the sport over the last decade.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Goan, According to Dempo, several new facets of football have witnessed improvement, including fan culture, social media interactions, transfer season activity, growth of club youth teams and academies, and an increase in pre-teen participation through initiatives like baby leagues. Moreover, there has been a notable enhancement in coach education, contributing to the development of coaching talent.
He noted the initial increase in fan following, especially evident in packed stadiums during the early seasons of ISL matches held at Fatorda. Dempo emphasized the positive impact of ISL on Goan talents, citing examples of players securing significant transfers to top ISL teams like Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC.
Dempo Sports Club's return to the I-League signifies a new chapter for the team. Dempo expressed aspirations to compete at the top end of the league, providing an opportunity to gauge themselves against ISL teams in competitions like the Super Cup and Durand Cup. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the team to compete effectively with ISL counterparts.
Furthermore, Dempo stressed the significance of Dempo SC's role as a pathway for Goan players, particularly those from the academy and youth teams, to pursue their dreams of competing in top Indian leagues and representing the national team. He emphasized the implementation of Long Term Player Development (LTPD) plans for both the club and players.
Regarding the requirements to boost football in Goa, Dempo emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among various stakeholders. He suggested restructuring school competitions and encouraging collaboration between clubs, village clubs, and schools to ensure maximum participation and development opportunities for young players. Additionally, he called for better synergy among club academies, the Goa Football Association, and initiatives like the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) to enhance grassroots and youth development programs.
Dempo emphasized the importance of evaluating existing systems to identify areas for improvement and implementing corrective measures to enhance the effectiveness of grassroots and youth development initiatives. He stressed the necessity for collective efforts from all stakeholders to foster the growth of football in Goa.
Through his insights, Dempo provided a comprehensive overview of the state of football in Goa and outlined strategies for its continued development.
