Team Herald
PANJIM: Benaulim, Dona Paula and Khandepar emerged victorious in the fourth edition of GFDC Rising Stars Inter-Centre League finals, held on Sunday at the Bambolim Athletic,Stadium, on Sunday.
While Benaulim won the U-10 boys final defeating Arambol, Dona Paula clinched the U-13 girls title. Khandepar won the U-13 boys title defeating Mandrem in final.
Speaking during the occasion, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Manohar Azgaonkar pointed out that kids can move forward though sports and education.
“Football is in the blood of Goans and once upon a time its presence was felt only in Salcete but is now moving up North. I congratulate the winning teams and those who got defeated should work hard. The Chairman of GFDC along with his 120 odd coaches and team is working hard to take football forward and train the 4,500 trainees. Also seen working in the same direction is FC Goa and Churchill brothers SC,” said Azgaonkar.
The Director of DSYA, VM Prabhudesai said, “Great work being done by Dr Rufino and his team with utmost commitment. The technical director, Derryl D’Souza and his coaches have really groomed well the six finalist teams. I give full marks to GFDC and the work being done by them in football.”
Dr Rufino Monteiro, Chairman of GFDC expressed pleasure over the intensity and level of participation from trainees witnessed this year.
“After nine long months the fourth edition of the football league has now come to an end. There is a need to train the boys and girls scientifically. In Khandepar it is mostly cricket was played but our trainees from that centre proved that they can play football as well. This can be seen from the fact that the U-13 boys from that centre won in their respective category,” said Dr Rufino.
Valanka Alemao, the CEO of Churchill Brothers SC praised GFDC for their contribution in the game and congratulated the winners. “The grassroots programme by GFDC is looking after the grassroots development of over 4500 kids in the state. Churchill Brothers SC is the only club to have 70 percent Goans playing in the I-League,” she said.
Akshay Tandon president of FC Goa, Savio Messias ex general secretary of GFA, Lavino Rebello, vice-president GFA and GFDC Council members were also present.
