Salgaocar FC Inaugurates 4th Annual Community Outreach Program
6th October 2016: Salgaocar FC inaugurated the fourth edition of its annual Community Outreach Program at the Chicalim Panchayat Ground earlier today. This program which takes place every single Sunday between October and March, with only a break for Christmas and school exams, has had a huge following amongst the people of Chicalim and Vasco since its launch. The atmosphere was electric, with over 600 girls and boys in the age group of 6-11 years dressed in their Salgaocar FC football kits and accompanied by their parents.
This year, there are enrollments from over a dozen local schools including Regina Mundi, St. Andrew’s, Bharti Vidya Bhavan, Kendriya Vidyalaya, St. Joseph’s, Vidya Mandir and Keshav Smruti. This is the only Club sponsored and organised program in all of Goa where children can train under the Club’s highly qualified and experienced coaches and first team players. Basic football skills are imparted to these budding footballers with a focus on teamwork and fitness. The most talented boys will find their way into the Club’s renowned youth development system, one of the best in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shivanand Salgaocar (President – Salgaocar FC), said “This year is even more special for us at Salgaocar FC. Not only did our Club turn 60, but this is also the birth centenary year of our founder, my father, the late Mr. V.M. Salgaocar and I am sure that nothing would have given him greater pleasure than to see all the people of his hometown gathered here today to take part in his favourite sport. Giving back to Goa and promoting local talent were extremely important to him and we are proud to continue that tradition even today.”
Ms. Swati Salgaocar (Vice President – Youth Development, Salgaocar FC) stressed the importance of grassroots development, the most effective way of training local talent to compete on an international platform. She also thanked the children and their parents for their continuous support since the program’s inception.
Also present on the occasion were Mr. Adlear D’Cruz (General Secretary, Salgaocar FC), Mr. Norbert Gonsalves (Head Coach, Salgaocar FC) and all of the club’s first team and junior team coaches and players.