The centre registered 56 boys and 31 girls aged between 6 and 12 years and are optimistic to increase the number of the participants as the coaching programme progresses.
Welcoming the gathering, Sister Liberata Fernandes, headmistress, thanked the GFDC for opening the centre and giving an opportunity to the children of Vagator to showcase their talent.
Speaking on the occasion, Aleixo Da Costa, member secretary, GFDC stated that the council is looking at developing the children holistically by providing football training, nutrition, football kits etc.
Dr Rufino Monteiro, chairman, GFDC in his address expressed his wish to see more girl trainees joining whilst requesting the trainees to take full advantage of the facilities provided by the council. Thanks to the vision of the former chief minister and Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for forming Goa Football Development Council which has provided professional training to over 3,700 trainees at 31 centres and promised to continue development for the football trainees at Vagator as well.
Chief guest Dayanand Mandrekar, minister for civil supplies and price control, water resources, art and culture, panchayat raj in his address congratulated the GFDC for doing commendable work at 31 centres and training children with utmost dedication.
He further stated that the career path for footballers is very promising with plenty of tournaments such as the Indian Super League, I-League, Pro League, GFA leagues and many more.
Mariano Dias, technical director, GFDC; Lavinio Rebello, vice president, GFA; former headmaster Michael D’Souza; Sister Salvacao Pereira, manager of the school and Steve D’Souza were the other dignitaries present.
The event was compered by Diana D’Souza while Agnelo Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks.
