PANJIM: The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Goa Football Development Council and Goa Football Association to understand the logistics and support the first higher secondary school inter-school football league called on principals and physical education teachers for discussions, recently.
Explaining the vision behind the planning and strategy of the new league, GFA President and GFDC Member Secretary Elvis Gomes urged the principals and PE teachers gathered, to support and provide co-operation in making the league a success.
“There will always be teething problems when something new is introduced. The idea is to give all students a sizeable chance of playing football. Football grows in youngsters and that growth should not be stunted. We intend introducing the league format in different age groups from the next academic year,” stated Gomes.
“The schools provide the best footballing talents. Such talents cannot be sourced out from knockout tournaments only. The children need a chance to play a few games. Hence this league will play a crucial role,” informed GFDC Technical Director Katz Naidoo.
“Higher secondary schools offer a good platform to those children who took a break from football because of their SSC exams. I urge the teachers and principals of the HSS to boost the latent talent in the students. Kick start their football again. Use this league as a tool,” emphasised GFDC Chairman Dr Rufino Monteiro.
Explaining that the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs is going through a turnaround to keep up with the demands of the day, Director Y Tawde complimented Elvis Gomes for coming up with this new initiative after taking over as president of GFA.
“Elvis has worked on this league concept soon after taking over the GFA. He has always been interested in football and that is good for the game. We will extend an olive branch to other sports too,” stated Tawde.
