“Think big, believe big, act big and the result will be big,” was the slogan written on the wall as the officials from Sporting Clube de Goa entered the assembly of Pope John XXIII High School, a Don Bosco Institute, Quepem, with whom they signed a memorandum of understanding to adopt, on Friday.

This was the second school to tie up with the club this week, which forms an important part of their School Community Grassroots program and facilitates their long term player development model.

The football tie-up between the two organizations will ensure the School’s age group teams are provided with quality kit and equipment, besides the recipe for success on the field.

The Principal of Pope John Paul XXIII, Fr Domnic Savio Fernandes is no stranger to the Flaming Oranje, as he was previously the headmaster of Don Bosco High School in Panjim where the club trains, so they are aware of his acumen for sports administration. “I am certain it will not take long for our players to be representing Sporting Clube de Goa. I thank SCG President Peter Vaz for investing in our reservoir of Goan talent,” remarked Fr Domnic Savio.

“Sporting Clube de Goa has been quietly involved with Community projects for many years. In addressing the changing environment of Indian football, the club has decided to expand its initiatives to ensure Goan Football can maintain its football status in the country,” reasoned Sporting Goa Manager Angelo Albuquerque.

Sporting Goa General Secretary Edward Noronha highlighted the career opportunities Sporting Goa can offer the students.  “Recently five of our senior players were called up for trials for the India U-23 team for the Asian games. Three of them namely Joyner Lourenco, Rowlin Borges and Keenan Almeida are hailing from Goa, which is the biggest representation of Goan players out off all the I-League clubs,” remarked Edward.

Sporting Goa Head of Youth development Mahesh Lotlikar along with SCG senior stars Keenan Almeida and Clemente Joseph were also present on the occasion.