TEAM HERALD
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
MAPUSA: The young boys and girls who participated in the AIFF-GFA grassroots festival displayed enthusiasm in abundance, as the coaches cheered them despite the gusty winds and heavy showers at Duler Stadium, here, Saturday.
“This course has helped me tremendously. We learnt how to conduct training sessions, organize grassroots festivals and much more. I have gained additional knowledge, my horizon broadened, thanks to this initiative of AIFF and GFA,” expressed Pradip Chopedkar, coach, GFDC, Valpoi centre.
Elvis Pereira, coach of Candolim Sports Club felt that O’Donell introduced him to ideas which will help him motivate youngsters. “O’Donell has brought in new ideas that will boost grassroots in the State. This course has refreshed me and increased my understanding of the game,” stated Pereira.
“I am very passionate about football and this course will help me empower the youth through grassroots football. O’Donell’s planning is excellent as he wants all the 34 coaches to conduct one grassroots football festival each annually which will definitely help football grow in Goa,” disclosed Aldrid Da Costa, community grassroots coach, Sporting Clube de Goa.
“These grassroots festivals are full of fun and it is a joy to watch all the kids participate. We must conduct these festivals frequently,” opined Michel Castnaha, coach, GFDC, Navelim centre.
“Overall, it was a great experience for us under O’Donell. I really enjoyed it,” stated Ramesh Vhonnalli, U-12 coach, Salgaocar FC, who also informed that the Salcete Grassroots Development Programme will be conducting their grassroots festival soon.
It is now up to the coaches to implement their experience and give as many children as possible an opportunity to play football.
