Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A total of 104 young footballers received sports kits during a kit distribution ceremony organised by Portais Sporting Club in association with the Goa Football Development Council at the Old Goa Educational Institute High School Hall on Thursday.
The event brought together representatives from the GFDC, local panchayat, school authorities, coaches and football administrators to encourage children to take up sports alongside their studies.
GFDC Vice President Dhaku Madkaikar urged the young players to make sports an important part of their daily lives. He highlighted the importance of developing physical fitness from an early age and described football as an extension of education.
Madkaikar said the GFDC currently operates 36 football centres across Goa with around 64 coaches. Players at these centres receive football kits, including T shirts, shorts and shoes, twice a year.
He also stressed the importance of discipline, encouraging the children to use their equipment properly, respect the game and maintain good conduct during training and matches.
Old Goa Sarpanch Medha Parvatkar congratulated Portais Sporting Club, the GFDC and organisers for creating opportunities for children to develop through sport.
She said grassroots football can help young people remain healthy, disciplined and united while creating a pathway for future football talent from Goa. She encouraged the players to train with dedication, respect their coaches and aim to bring recognition to Old Goa and the state.
Old Goa Panch member Sandra Gonsalves recalled that there had initially been objections to using the panchayat ground for GFDC training because of concerns that local children might lose access to the facility.
The proposal eventually received approval after discussions with Portais Sporting Club, which presented its training plan and schedule to the local representatives.
Gonsalves urged children to make full use of the coaching facility available in their neighbourhood, describing it as an opportunity to access structured football training close to home.
The event highlighted the growing focus on grassroots football in Goa and the importance of providing young players with equipment, coaching and accessible training facilities.
