Now with the Coronavirus pandemic
sweeping the world, the sporting world like everything else has come to a
standstill. Leagues have come to a standstill and everyone is
basically staring into the unforeseen future. FC Goa has much to do before the
start of the next season.
The club has been very involved in
the local community. However, like everyone, it has had to suspend its
activities. Ravi Puskur, Director of Football, FC Goa said the club had
suspended all operations from their office in Porvorim, Goa. All employees have
been advised to practice social distancing and day to day operations being
handled remotely. He went on to say that with the lockdown underway, all
technical sessions such as practices have been suspended. In fact, as a
precautionary measure, the team had suspended practices since March 16.
Importantly the club’s Soccer Schools program has also been suspended. Asked
about the selection of a new coach he said “We haven’t been hampered by the
situation as such. We’ve been working away in the background speaking to
potential candidates. With the situation and given the ample amount of time
everyone has on their hands; we’ve been able to deep dive into discussions with
the coaches and had fruitful discussions to see how best they fit our project”.
The club has paused its activities
on the ground. In a statement Ishita Godinho, Community Development and
Communications Manager, Forca Goa Foundation said “The Covid-19 outbreak has
impacted every industry in the world. At the Forca Goa Foundation, the safety
of the children and coaches we work with is of priority and we paused our programme
a while before the official lockdown began”. She expressed her happiness that
they were able to complete the Little Gaurs League – Goa’s biggest baby league
in the first week of March but could not hold a scheduled follow up tournament.
The club works with a number of schools and communities where they provide
football training and workshops to children in the 6 years to 12 years age
group.
She went on to say the club was
posting a few easy tips and tricks to practice and enhance football skills
while also suggesting football-related documentaries that families can watch
while in quarantine.
Fans of the team will hope the
management hires a coach with the tactical acumen and the smarts to deliver the
goods in a state that is passionate about the team and is desperate to win the
championship.
Till then, it’s all about not
letting COVID score.
