Margao
Support from school management plays a crucial role and uplifts the morale of the players and confidence of the coaches and is an integral part of the success story of any school team. Former international Savio Madeira - currently serving as the Technical Director of Sporting Clube De Goa, drove home the point while the school headmasters and headmistress support is crucial for any school to do well on the sports field besides the backing of the parents.
The former Salgoacar midfielder Madeira was speaking at the felicitation function of the Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim U-15 team held at Ravindra Bhavan Margao.
The felicitation of the Navelim school U-15 Boys Subroto team which represented Goa at the 63rd edition of the Subroto Cup International Football Tournament 2024 in Bengaluru was done at the hands of Madeira.
Also felicitated were the physical education teachers Jonathan Faleiro, Joaquina Dias and Soniya Dessai.
Hailing Headmistress, Sr. Libia Fernandes efforts and terming her a ‘pioneer’ Madeira appreciated the key role played by her in grooming young talent at the school level.
He greatly appreciated Sr. Libia Fernandes for always being supportive towards the team and motivating them by being present for all the matches.
“I have witnessed her unwavering support to the coaches, to the teachers and to the boys. And I see her for every game. What else do you want?
“So, her support is what gives the confidence for the coaches and for the players as well,” he added.
Madeira, who briefly coached the national team besides serving as former Coach Educator of All India Football Federation is hoping that more educationists from Goa will follow her example and will come to the playfield and cheer their teams, which he said was a crucial element to uplift the morale and confidence of school children and the coaches.
“I hope to see many headmistresses or headmasters of schools trying to come and participate in the school games. So that is what is what we want to see,” added Madeira,
Madeira congratulated the school and applauded the efforts put in by the team and particularly the coach for their outstanding triumph.
He also congratulated the parents for their unceasing support in steering their kids towards excellence in sports.
“This accomplishment is really significant because you have an undefeated record. We are all very proud of your commitment, talent, and teamwork”, Madeira said to the team.
“May you continue to bring more accolades to the state and soar higher”, he added.
Although the team did not qualify for the quarters, they remained undefeated for all the three matches that they played at Bengaluru. The team did not concede a single goal during the entire tournament. They played a total of 6 matches in Goa before emerging as State champions. This was the second time the school won the state championship, the first one being in 2022.
The Headmistress Sr. Libia Fernandes welcomed the gathering.
Rev. Fr. Patricio Fernandes SJ was also present for the felicitation ceremony. He blessed the team members and wished them all the best in their future endeavours.
