In the second year, the program has already become a huge success and seen a significant increase in registrations.
Through the evening, there were games aplenty, all connected with the game of football for children and parents alike. Other than the 3-a-side football tie-breaker, that was exclusively for women, all the other games were open.
Target shooting and juggling also formed part of the line-up, but the game that did catch everyone’s imagination was the 6 v 6 small sided games that comprised of three parents and three children in each team. An exhibition match between the parents with Salgaocar FC’s first team players joining in concluded the proceedings.
The program was launched last year and has been very well received by children and parents. This year saw the program span over 22 Sundays with the kids being trained by the club’s highly qualified and experienced coaches and first team players.
Given that the children look up to some of the first team players as role models and watch them in action when taken to the club’s home I-League games, it is extremely motivational for them to turn up every Sunday and share the field with their heroes. The basics are imparted to these budding footballers using techniques that are both fun and engrossing.
Despite the program essentially being a fun kick-about on Sundays for the tiny tots, the most talented boys will find their way into the club’s renowned youth development system, recognised by the Asian Football Confederation as being one of the best in the country.
Swati Salgaocar (Vice President, Youth Development of Salgaocar FC), Adlear D’Cruz (General Secretary, Salgaocar FC), Derrick Pereira (Head Coach of Salgaocar FC and Peter Vales (Technical Director of Youth Development, Salgaocar FC) gave away the prizes to the winners.
