Dempo SC-Salcete FC Football Grassroot Development Initiative

April 30: Dempo Sports Club has joined hands with Salcete Football Club (South Goa) to launch a football grassroots development center at the Don Bosco Oratory grounds, Margao.

Bro. Frank inaugurated the center in the presence of eminent football personalities of Goa which included Mr. Albert Colaco (Ex Gen. Secretary AIFF), Armando Colaco (Head Coach, Dempo Sports Club) , Savio Medeira (Asst Coach, Indian National Team), Mauricio Afonso (Asst. Coach, Dempo SC) and other members. 10 such centers are expected to be opened under the aegis of the coordination committee of the Salcete Grassroots Football Development Program.

Dempo Sports Club, in partnership with Salcete FC, will provide a varied program of football development for boys and girls in the age group of 8-10 years. This initiative combines ‘Skills’ and ‘Games’ and provides a pressure-free environment aimed at enhancing skills of young footballers. This project will continue throughout the summer holidays and thereafter will be limited to weekends only due to the reopening of schools. The total duration of the project is given as six months. Now, with the first Grassroots Development Centre in place, children around Margao city will have access to a variety of activities throughout the year in order that youth football could progress in all its aspects.

For several years, the Salcete Football Club has been the nursery of football in Goa. Since its foundation in 1980, it has provided platform for many young players to improve and display their talent. Mauricio Afonso, Climax Lawrence & Roberto Fernandes are among their few ex-players who have captained the Indian national team. Many of Dempo SC’s first team players like Climax Lawrence, Clifford Miranda, Anthony Pereira, Joaquim Abranches etc. have honed their skills at Salcete FC. Similar programmes were launched by the club in 1995 which were also very successful.