Chairman of the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), Glenn Ticlo, said the council will work towards taking the organisation to the next level as it continues to expand football development programmes across the state.
Ticlo was speaking at an International Women’s Day celebration and kit distribution programme held at the GFDC Corlim Centre on Thursday. The event was organised by Portais Sporting Club in association with GFDC and attended by GFDC Member Secretary Fransquinha Oliveira, Vice-Chairman Dhaku Madkaikar and other dignitaries.
Ticlo said GFDC was conceptualised by the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and has since grown to include 36 training centres across Goa.
“GFDC was the brainchild of our late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and now we have 36 centres. Now time has come to take it to a higher level. Everyone at the council is working in that direction. As a former sportsperson in hockey, football, martial arts, etc, I will ensure to do whatever I can in my capacity to uplift GFDC,” Ticlo said.
He added that support from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar will help improve facilities, coaching and training infrastructure at the centres.
“Our Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar are dynamic and working towards our common goal. With their support, we need to upgrade many aspects like trainers, coaches and the facilities at the 36 centres. We are focussing to ensure our trainees have proper gear and nutrition,” he said.
Madkaikar said the government continues to support initiatives aimed at strengthening football in Goa. He also acknowledged the contribution of prominent Goan clubs such as Salgaocar FC, Dempo SC, Chowgule SC, Churchill Brothers FC Goa and FC Goa in developing the sport.
“Our new GFDC chairman is a good sportsman and an ex-footballer. He has knowledge of the sport. We, along with the chairman will strive to take the sport forward. We have over 60 coaches and they are doing a good job. I urge everyone at the centres to work hard. The youngsters and trainees should be impressed by football,” Madkaikar said.
Oliveira highlighted the importance of encouraging girls to participate in football and said the council remains committed to promoting equal opportunities in sport. The Corlim centre currently has 60 boys and 30 girls undergoing football training.
“We recognise the role and importance of shaping the future of football in our state. At GFDC, we strongly believe that talent has no gender. With the right support, training and encouragement, young girls can achieve remarkable success in football. This day reminds us to continue promoting equality, respect and opportunities for women in sports. Together, let us inspire more girls to step onto the field, play with confidence and dream big,” Oliveira said.
She added that GFDC currently operates 36 centres across the state, with the Corlim centre ranking among the top 10 in terms of performance.
GFDC currently has 21 women coaches across Goa — 11 in North Goa and 10 in South Goa — training around 670 girls at various centres.
During the event, former GFDC trainee Mehboob Khan and powerlifting and deadlift champion Deepa Verma were felicitated for their achievements.
Exhibition matches were also played during the programme. North Goa coaches defeated South Goa coaches 2-1, while Corlim trainees Pink defeated Orange 1-0.
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