PANJIM:
FC Goa’s endeavour has always been to encourage the development of football in the state. Keeping this in mind, the Forca Goa foundation organizes various football festivals in schools across Goa. The basic aim of these festivals is to help generate an interest in the sport among children – both boys and girls of various age groups and to give them a platform to play and showcase their talent.
The latest of these festivals was organized at St Anne’s school, Agonda in Canacona district earlier this week. 125 children participated in the programme and played football competitively. The foundation has always encouraged and helped girls take up the sport and it was a matter of pride to see 40 girls register and participate in the event. The kids were divided into mixed teams with boys and girls playing together. Additionally, senior students of the school were present at the start of the festival in the morning in order to volunteer and help out.
The foundation approaches schools in Goa and organizes these festivals on their football grounds. This in turn helps kids from surrounding areas register and play the sport. A number of coaches from FC Goa’s grassroots programmes are present at these festivals to help out and train the children. Additionally, the festivals inculcate a sense of competition and professionalism in young children with regard to playing football.