Having conducted the first festival in North, in September, the second festival was mainly for the young football enthusiasts from the South.
These festivals are organized as part of the clubs Community Outreach Programme and commitment to grassroots football development.
A total of over 170 kids divided into groups, had nearly four hours of fun with the ball as they went through a grid of 14 stations.
The event was coordinated by SCG Head of Youth Development Mahesh Lotlikar, who was assisted by coaches Norbert Gonsalves, Seby Noronha, Anthony Vas and the school PE teachers Vaibhav Raut, Jayesh Dessai, Kartik Lokapure and Santano Furtado along with a host of volunteers.
Each player received a certificate of participation, but the most cherished item was The Flaming Oranje jersey’s they got to take home.
The 13 schools which took part are St Xavier Institute HS, Curtorim; OL of Snows HS, Raia; Bethany Convent HS, Sao Jose de Areal; OL of Carmel HS, Curtorim; St Joseph Educational Institute HS, Chandor; The Kings HS, Margao; St Rita HS, Maina; OL of Health HS, Cuncolim; St Francis Xavier HS, Macasana; OL of Rosary HS, Fatorda; Assumpta Convent HS, Sarzora; St Xavier HS, Velim and Pope John Paul XXIII, Quepem.
Arnaldo Costa, GFA executive member, Chairman of St Xavier Institute Managing Committee and President of Curtorrim Gymkhana was the chief guest and distributed the certificates along with local Sporting Clube stars Jovel Martins, Rowllin Borges, Mauvin Borges, Velito Cruz and Cajetan Fernandes who had turned up to cheer and inspire the young wards.
SCG General Secretary Edward Noronha compered. Also present was SCG CEO Victor Fernandes; Competitions Director Anju Albuquerque and Physiotherapist Brian Da Costa.
