PANJIM: One of Goa’s oldest clubs, Clube Reacreativo e Cultural de Chinchinim (CRC) in association with Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) set up the 30th GFDC grassroots football development centre, at Chinchinim, on Saturday.
The centre was inaugurated by parish priest Fr Jose Antonio Costa in the presence of Dr Rufino Monteiro, chairman of GFDC; Council Members Agnelo Fonseca and Maria Rebell0; Simon Fernandes, president of CRC; Mency Rodrigues, Zilla panchayat member; Dominic Noronha, sarpanch of Sirlim-Dramapur and others.
Earlier, in the day inauguration was jeopardized after the football ground was vandalised by miscreants.
Simon accused “anti-social elements” of ruining the preparations by breaking chairs and tearing banners and the pandal cloth. He said, “These acts demoralize those who put efforts in the activity.”
Club members found out about the vandalism only in the morning. Expressing deep anguish, they demanded that the police conduct an immediate inquiry and bring the culprits to book.
However, Dr Rufino asked the 120 trainees, who have enrolled so far at this centre to be regular, disciplined and determined if they were to follow in the footsteps of their famous village football stars like Mario Soares and Catao.
Fr Costa urged the villagers to work united for the betterment of children especially through sports.
The centre head, Michael Beny Da Costa, proposed the vote of thanks.
As of now, 3500 trainees in 30 GFDC centres have spread along the length and breadth of the State in 30 months.
