FC Goa hosted the first FC Goa Open Day of the season at the Rosary School in Miramar on Friday, according to a press release from the club. The event was attended by FC Goa squad members Jofre Mateu, Reinaldo Da Cruz, Pronay Halder and Victorino Fernandes. Also present were the technical director of the grassroots programme Katz Naidoo and Ashley Furtado, Chief Operations Officer, FC Goa.
The FC Goa Open Day is one of the 44 football open days that has been planned by the club for the coming year. The club will look to identify potential players that can be drafted into the pre-existing pool of talent that are actively coached by the club, while spreading the love of the game across the State.
The players and management spent time interacting with the school children and coaches, and shared details of their experience with the club so far this season before the kids got down to playing in mini tournaments while being actively coached by the club’s grassroots coaches. Over 1,500 children between the age groups of 6 to 14 are currently being groomed by FC Goa. The U-14 team, the Junior Gaurs, are doing excellently well and are currently unbeaten. Addressing those present Ashley Furtado, Chief Operations Officer, FC Goa, said: “The FC Goa Outreach Programme is designed so that the club can reach out to as many young children as possible and introduce them to the game of football in a friendly playing environment. They are encouraged to develop their inherent talent while also enjoying and loving the sport. FC Goa has a robust grassroots programme, which is being managed under the watchful eye of Mr. Naidoo assisted by Coach Gavin Araujo. Our U-14 team the Junior Gaurs are doing excellently well.”
Katz Naidoo, the programme’s Technical Director, added: “The FC Goa grassroots programme aims to create a safe environment for Goa’s young footballers to enjoy the game and hone their skills. There are various stages that a young player needs to progress through to emerge as a strong skilled football player. We at FC Goa will take young players through that process and guide them along the way. We are also focusing on consistently training coaches on the methods and techniques involved. Talking about the need to develop grassroots, FC Goa player Jofre said: “Seeing the enthusiasm on display here, its obvious that football is ready to take off in this part of the world.”
The FC Goa’s Grassroots development programme, which commenced last year, saw the ISL side reach out to over 20,000 children and actively mentor and coach over 1,500 students from 16 schools.
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