Team Herald
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RAIA: Salcete Football Club, widely regarded as the nursery of Goan football, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this month with a series of events dedicated to grassroots and youth development.
To commemorate this milestone, the club’s managing committee has formed an organising committee under the chairmanship of founder member Alberto Colaco, with Schubert Furtado and Joe Dias as vice-chairmen.
The celebrations will focus on the club’s core mission of promoting youth football and will conclude with a friendly match featuring former Salcete FC players, followed by a valedictory ceremony to honour former players, coaches, administrators, and contributors who have supported the club through the decades.
Dronacharya Awardee Armando Colaco and one of Goa’s most respected football figures, said, “Salcete Football Club is truly the nursery of Goan football. So many players and coaches have emerged from this institution, which continues to play a vital role in shaping Goan football.”
Founder member Albert Colaco proudly reflected on the club’s enduring contribution to the sport.
“Salcete Football Club can proudly say that it has provided the initial impetus to scores of players who have achieved great success at the State and international level,” he said.
According to Colaco, around 21 former Salcete FC players have represented India. Among them are national team captains Mauricio Afonso, Robert Fernandes, Savio Medeira, Clifford Miranda, Climax Lawrence, Saby Antao (India U-19) and Joaquim Abranches.
Other players who have donned the India jersey include Sarto Lawrence Baptista, Mario Soares, Roy Barreto, Alvito D’Cunha, Roque Barreto, Flaviano Leitao, Jacinto D’Silva, Late Anthony Baptista and Branco Cardozo.
The U-14 football tournament will feature teams – Cortalim Villagers SC, Dempo Sports Club, South Goa United, FC Goa, Salgaocar Football Club, Salcete FC-CDS, Sesa Academy and Sporting Clube de Goa.
The U-12 football festival will see participation from Bethany Convent HS (Sao Jose de Areal), Perpetual Succour Convent HS (Navelim), Rosary High School (Navelim), Our Lady of Health High School (Cuncolim), Loyola High School (Margao), The Kings High School (Sao Jose de Areal), Manovikas High School (Margao) and St Xavier’s High School (Velim).
The Football for Fun programme for boys and girls aged 6 to 10 years will include participants from Bethany Convent High School (GFDC Centre, Sao Jose de Areal) and Perpetual Convent High School (GFDC Centre, Navelim).
Speaking on the club’s history, Savio Medeira said, “Salcete FC continues to uphold its tradition of identifying, nurturing and producing top footballing talent in Goa, staying true to its founding vision even after four and a half decades.”
