Dempo SC has renewed and signed new contracts with eleven young players for the 2014-15 season as part of their vision to develop young players who will serve the club and the Indian national team in future.

The eleven players are Alwyn George, Pronay Halder, Mandar Rao Dessai, Narayan Das, Romeo Fernandes, Prabir Das, Myron Fernandes, Nickson Castanha, Holicharan Narzary, Shallum Pires and Sahil Tavora.

Commenting on this development, Dempo SC chairman Shrinivas Dempo said, “Dempo Sports Club is committed to give young Goan and Indian players an opportunity to develop and serve the club and the national team in future. I have seen that many promising players fade away as they do not get the necessary exposure. Our aim is not only to build a strong Dempo Sports Club for the future but also to help in building a strong national team.”

Dempo head coach Arthur Papas said, “I am thrilled to have played a part towards ensuring the long term viability of Dempo SC by completing the signings of all these players aged between 17 to 22 to long term contracts. All have been either part of the first team squad this season or scouted throughout the year and possess the required characteristics based on the clubs playing style.”

“It has been my priority since arriving at the cub to create a balanced first team squad for the future that combines the most talented young Goan players supplemented with Indian youth internationals from all over the country and this has now been achieved.”

“In the short term we still need to find the right balance as we are dealing with a first team where results are critical but I am confident and believe in all the players who have committed their futures to Dempo SC,” Papas added.

The announcement was made one day after the signing of India U-19 international Uttam Rai on Friday [+ read more].