Q. FC Goa was a huge success in the State. How do you plan to inculcate football to the young trainees of the newly launched FC Goa grassroots project?
A. There are four age groups that we are focusing on 6 to 8 years, 8 to 10 years, 10 to 12 years and 12 to 14. For the younger age groups, the idea is first to attract them to the game of football. At the older ages the plan is to have more dedicated and professional training. Training is held twice a week for each age group.
Q. With the presence of GFDC, which specifically carries only grassroots training all over the State, do you think FC Goa’s separate project was required?
A. There are many places where GFDC is not present. We are trying not to overlap with the GFDC centres. The more the centres of football, the better it is for the State as more children will be exposed to formal training programs
Q. What is FC Goa’s project aiming for? What is the routine? Training grounds and areas covered?
A. We have covered 16 schools in total, eight from North Goa and eight from South Goa. The training grounds are mostly the school grounds or grounds very close to the school premises.
Each school has a dedicated grassroots coach. The grassroots coaches are under the watchful eye of the assistant coaches and the head coach.
The aim is to develop local talent into future stars who can eventually represent FC Goa and the Indian National team in years to come.
Q. Will FC Goa introduce a team at the age group level in Goa? If not, why?
A. In the first year, we do not plan to introduce a team, however in the future we could look at introducing a team.
Q. What are the facilities provided to the trainees?
A. We provide the trainees with proper coaches, bibs and footballs. Besides we also give cones, markers and other support equipment to each centre. Provisions for refreshments ing sessions.
