Sporting Clube de Goa conducted its 2nd Grassroots Football Festival on Sunday at DSYA Grounds, Curtorim. Having conducted the 1st Festival in the North in September, the 2nd was targeted at the kids from the South of Goa. These festivals are organized as part of the Club’s Community Outreach Program and commitment to grassroots football development.

170 plus kids divided into groups, had nearly four hours of fun with the ball as they went through a grid of 14 stations. As the music pumped out from the large speakers, the boys rhythmically moved from one drill to the next with big smiles on their little face’s as they passed, dribbled, headed and shot depending on the specific technique needed for the particular game.

The youngsters were enjoying their tryst with the ball so much that they did not want the program to end.

The Festival was coordinated by SCG Head of Youth Development Mahesh Lotlikar. He 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.

The participants appreciated the tasty morning refreshments and lunch. Each player received a certificate of participation, but the most cherished item was the Flaming Oranje jersey’s they got to take home.

The following 13 Schools from South Goa took part in the festival:
St Xavier’s Institute H/S Curtorim, Our Lady of Snow’s H/S Raia, Bethany Convent H/S Sao Jose de Areal, Our Lady of Carmel H/S Curtorim, St Joseph Educational Institute H/S Chandor, The King’s H/S Margao, St Rita’s H/S Maina, Our Lady of Health H/S Cuncolim, St Francis Xavier H/S Macasana, Our Lady of Rosary H/S Fatorda, Assumpta Convent H/S Sarzora, St Xavier’s High School Velim and Pope John Paul XXIII Quepem.

Arnaldo Costa, Member GFA Executive, Chairman of St. Xavier’s Institute Managing Committee and President of Curtorrim Gymkhana was the chief guest and distributed the certificates along with local Sporting Goa 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 compeered the day’s proceedings. Also present on the occasion was SCG CEO Victor Fernandes, Competitions Director Anju Albuquerque and Physiotherapist Brian Da Costa.