Disappointment Turns to Joy as Football Program Finally Begins
For two consecutive Sundays last month, eager children and their parents arrived at the Panchayat ground in Chicalim only to leave disappointed. The much-anticipated Community Outreach Programme by Salgaocar FC had been postponed due to heavy rainfall, leaving young football enthusiasts waiting.
Francisco Nunes, executive committee member of the Goa Football Association and chairman of the grassroots committee, found himself repeatedly explaining the situation to walk-in participants. "These children were walk-ins, those who had not registered for the programme but were keen to be a part," Nunes explained. "I showed them the ground - it wasn't in playing condition."
Successful Launch After Weather Delays
The program, initially scheduled to begin on October 19, finally kicked off after a two-week delay caused by incessant rain. On the first day of the season, 425 children of various age groups participated, accompanied by equally enthusiastic parents.
According to Sanjeev Nagvenkar, general secretary of the program, the numbers are expected to grow significantly. "In the next few weeks, the number will reach 550," Nagvenkar stated. "We cannot accommodate more because it will be difficult to provide all of them with quality space, time, and training."
Club's Renewed Focus on Grassroots Development
Despite Salgaocar FC shutting operations for its senior team, the two-time former national league champions have maintained their commitment to grassroots football. The club withdrew from the top league in 2016 in protest against the All India Football Federation's roadmap and disbanded its senior team in 2023.
Swati Salgaocar, club vice-president, emphasized the organization's community-focused philosophy. "Football was never part of a business for us, it was always our way of giving back to the community," she said. Her grandfather established the club as Vimson (an abbreviation of V M Salgaocar & Sons) in 1956.
"The original intent was always to provide a platform to the local youth and encourage talent. When we saw the way things were going, we realized we were moving too far away from the original intention of starting the club," Swati added.
Structured Program with Qualified Coaches
The Community Outreach Programme will continue every Sunday until next summer, with children divided into two age groups: 6-11 years and 11-14 years. The sessions are supervised by 40 licensed coaches who ensure proper training methodology.
"This is really the age to get the kids interested in football, either as a career choice or just to stay away from gadgets," Swati explained. "We cannot compromise on how we teach them during the formative years. We will continue to contribute towards the development of football but in a different manner."
Talented participants showing serious interest and skill may be absorbed into the club's youth teams, which have performed well in domestic competitions. However, for Salgaocar, trophies remain secondary to community impact.
Growing Parental Involvement Marks Success
One significant development since the program's inception in 2013 has been the increased involvement of parents. "The numbers have simply grown," Swati observed. "They are very keen on making sure their kids are regular. For most days, we set aside an area at the ground for the parents to play. It's heartening to see what this programme now means for everyone in the community."
The program represents Salgaocar FC's enduring legacy in Goan football, demonstrating that even without a senior professional team, the club continues to nurture the sport's future at the grassroots level.
