The ground at Dona Paula opposite Domino’s is like manyother grounds in India, not maintained properly, not properly accessible fromthe main road and the goalposts are not in place. But, it’s there. Smallmercies you would think. On this playground, every evening, thirty young kidsfrom the Aivao United Football Club (AUFC) play in the hope of improving theirgame. This three year old club, presently battling in the third division istrying to develop the make a mark for itself and make the village of Aivaoproud of its young boys.
For Kedar Damailekar, one of the boys playing at the ground,the practice session every evening has helped him gain a spot on his schoolteam at Don Bosco, Panjim, and raised his hopes of a professional career in thegame. A fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, he started playing in 2009 and says practicing daily has improved his skills. Damodar Zambauliekar, the President of theclub says that the club was formed to help the boys of the village get aplatform for the game.
These efforts have been paying dividends with the U-20 teamclinching second place in the GFA league last year. The senior team played inthe play-off for promotion from the third division and lost last year. The clubhas managed to bring together boys of various ages. From the youngest who iseight to the oldest who is in his mid- twenties, the passion at the club isvisible every day. This year Krishna Gaus, a 11 year old played in the U-18team in a tournament highlighting the talent inherent in the team. Ganesh Gomesanother junior is playing for Dempe College and Kedar Zamalaikar is now a partof Sesa Academy.
Asked about financial support, Zambauliekar said “We don’thave any sponsors, we contribute towards the expenses incurred on training theboys and on matches. It is a passion. No player, though, is paid anyremuneration; everyone comes in after school, college or work and practicetogether.” He said some individuals do contribute between Rs. 2000”3000 to helpthe team. A good coach he said would certainly help if they had a sponsor. Thathowever has not happened and so they were prepared to muddle along till abenefactor appears on the horizon.
Asked what he visualised the future to be, Damodar said theyoung boys would take the club far and it would not be long before a boy fromAivao would play for Goa and the national team. He said “watch us, we will gofar."
