THURSDAY, DECEMBER 07, 2023
Team Herald
FATORDA: The Goa Football Association as promised will provide financial assistance to all the affiliated clubs provided they fullfill the required criteria such as registration of club under Society’s Registration Act, stated President Dr Caetano Fernandes while inaugurating the GFA’s office at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here, on Thursday.
“Some clubs are in the process of registering their club accordance with the Society’s Registration Act. Once the formalities are completed we will release the grants to the clubs,” said Dr Fernandes informed.
“Only three members of GFA are in the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Committee including me,” said Dr Fernandes.
“AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has promised us many things that will be beneficial for the Goan football. In the near future, Goan member will get a chance to be on the AIFF Executive Committee,” the GFA president said.
“The prestigious Santosh National Trophy football tournament will be held in Goa from October 9 to 17, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. The total expenses to be incurred are around Rs 1 crore. The GFA Executive Committee is trying their best to bring sponsorship for this tournament. The State government has released the financial aid pertaining to women’s league tournament that was held in Goa. Rs 52 lakh will be in GFA’s kitty soon,” Dr Fernandes stated.
“GFA’s Executive Committee never interferes in the selection process of the State teams. Technical Director Mariano Dias and Savio Madeira have been given the task to select the best players that will represent the State teams. We have appointed Derrick Pereira to be the chief coach of Goa team for Santosh Trophy,” the GFA president added.
“This year, first time in the history of Goan football we have sent U-13, 15 and 17 State football teams to the tournaments’ venues by flight. The GFA will help all the budding talents in the State but in return they also have a duty to perform level at the national level. Some seriousness, motivation and professionalism is also required from our footballers,” Dr Fernandes said.
“Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Govind Gaude have promised support for the overall development of football in the State,” he added.
Dixon Vaz, football lover of Cavelossim also spoke and hailed the GFA’s contribution.
The GFA South Goa office will serve as a hub for administrative activities and other football-related initiatives aimed at enriching the footballing landscape in the region.
The Goa Football Association looks forward to a promising future for football in South Goa and anticipates that this new office will serve as a catalyst for the development and promotion of the sport.
South Goa President of GFA Anthony Pango, Secretary Lector Mascarenhas, Savio Madeira, Treasurer Shubert Furtado and other Executive Committee were present for inaugural function.
