SFC Launch 2014-15 Community Program
600 plus girls and boys in the age group of 6-11 register for the 2014-15 edition
Salgaocar FC launched the 2nd edition of the Community Outreach Program at a colourful opening, amidst much fanfare and a carnival like atmosphere at the Chicalim Panchayat Ground on Sunday, 19th October. Girls and boys in the age group of 6-11 years dressed in their football kits and accompanied by extremely enthusiastic parents braved the hot sun to ensure they were not going to miss out on the first day of what promises to be a year of fun-filled Sundays spent on the football field. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest, Ms. Swati Salgaocar (Vice President – Youth Development, Salgaocar Football Club) said “This is our way of giving back to the community and in particular the people of Vasco, who have stood by the club through thick and thin. We are delighted by the response we have received to the program”. She was of course referring to the 450 odd kids that had shown up from schools in and around Vasco. The club’s senior team players and coaches have over the course of the past few weeks visited most of the schools in the city and conducted soccer clinics to create an awareness about the program. “The number of Registrations have swelled this year, validation of the fact that we ought to be doing something right”, Swati added.
The program was launched last year and has been very well received by children and parents alike. The kids are trained by the club’s highly qualified and experienced coaches and first team players. Given that the children look up to some of the first tem players as role models and watch them in action when taken to the club’s home I-League games, it is extremely motivational for them to turn up every Sunday and share the field with their heroes. The basics of the ‘beautiful game’ are imparted to these budding footballers using techniques that are both fun and engrossing. The most talented boys will find their way into the club’s renowned youth development system.
Speaking on the occasion, Head Coach Derrick Pereira was all praise for Club President, Mr. Shivanand Salgaocar, who he described as an avid and keen football follower and a huge supporter of the game. “Full credit to his children, Vivek and Swati Salgaocar for following in his footsteps and thereby carrying on the Salgaocar family’s tryst with football,” he said. He went on to further state that in an age where kids are more content being glued to their mobile phones and television, it was very pleasing to see so many kids turn up and enjoy themselves playing football.
The launch concluded with the dignitaries unveiling the official kit for this year’s edition of the Community Program that shall be handed over to the children.
Also present on the occasion were Mr. Vivek Salgaocar (Vice President, Salgaocar Football Club), Mr. Peter Vales (TD – Youth Development, Salgaocar Football Club), Mr. Sanjiv Nagvenkar (Manager, Salgaocar Football Club) and Mr. Adlear D’Cruz (Addl. Secretary – Youth Development, Salgaocar Footbll Club). The dignitaries were introduced to the huge gathering by the club’s Media and Marketing Manager, Mr. Rahul Rodrigues.