18 Sporting Clube de Goa players to attend Barcelona camp

As part of their community outreach programme, Goan I-League outfit Sporting Clube de Goa has sponsored eighteen players to attend the Barcelona camp, from the 24^th to the 28^th of April, at Tilak Maidan, Vasco.

A meeting was organised between the management of the club and the parents of the wards, to fine tune the details of the trip.

Speaking on the occasion, Sporting Goa CEO Victor Fernandes thanked Sporting Goa president Peter Vaz for sponsoring the talented players so that they can further polish their skills.

“We are very grateful to our president Peter Vaz, whose passion and vision for Goan football has driven him to sponsor 18 talented players. For the president this is just the beginning, as the club is currently laying a new lush turf with drainage so we can put more emphasis on youth development.”

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Eddie Noronha urged as many parents to go and watch their children participate. “The Barcelona camp is a fantastic experience, but once it is over it is the parents who can also play a major part in promoting football at the grassroots level,” stated Eddie. 

Don Bosco student Shanon Viegas, who has recently returned from Barcelona where he was selected along with four other Goans to represent the India XI, was excited to be attending further training with the Barcelona coaches. “In Barcelona the coaches showed us how to position ourselves when in possession and without possession. This has made me tactically more confident,” remarked Shanon.

“The Don Bosco PE teachers have worked hard to achieve excellent results for the school. Football is continuously evolving, I feel if the talented youngsters pick up even one or two new ideas from the Barcelona camp it will be beneficial not only for the school but for our youth teams,” signed off Sporting Goa manager Anju Albuerquerque.  

Sporting Clube de Goa’s Community program finishes on a high

An exciting five-a-side event was organised to bring an end to Sporting Clube de Goa’s U-12 Community football program which was held in partnership with Don Bosco High School at Don Bosco ground, Panjim on Saturday.

The year round youth training initiative took a short break as the young participants prepare for their important end of year exams.

Forty-one players took part in the tournament on the last day, while a total of 76 wards in the U-10 and U-12 category experienced the program during the course of the last academic year.

Football coaching is offered three times a week to Don Bosco students and also neighbouring schools in the capital, to give them an introduction to football regardless of their ability.

The School and professional football club aim to widen the base of participation in the sport at the grassroots level, whilst also focusing on studies.

 This is endeavour is promoted extensively by the principal of Don Bosco High School Fr. Dominic Savio Fernandes as well as the Sporting Clube de Goa president Peter Vaz.

The training conducted by the Flaming Oranje coaches not only teaches the fundamentals of soccer, but also builds self-esteem, demonstrates tolerance, respect and inclusion for all.

It is hoped that the more talented players will eventually be absorbed into the competition age group teams, keeping with Sporting Clube de Goa’s motto of “Growing Goa’s Game!” 

Don Bosco High School lifts Sporting Clube de Goa U-12 trophy

Tournament top scorer, Aman Govekar blasted home the winner as Don Bosco High School, Panjim edged out St Britto’s High School 1-0 in the finals of the 2^nd All Goa U-12 Sporting Clube de Goa football tournament, at Don Bosco ground, Panjim on Saturday.

In total 10 teams participated in the one day seven-a-side soccer festival which started on a great note, as the continuous unexpected rains throughout the night, left the lush soil in perfect condition for the young stars to exhibit their talent.

The schools were divided into two groups with the team’s playing on a league basis. Don Bosco finished top of group “A”, while St Britto’s finished second. In group “B” Loyola’s topped and Fr. Agnel was second. All four teams qualified for the semi finals.

Loyala High School, took third place after overcoming Fr. Agnel Pilar, High School 3-2 via the tie breaker in the third and fourth place play off.  The match ended 1-1 with Samward Pereira scoring for Loyala and Nikhil Shetty netting for Fr. Agnel.

An exhibition match between Sporting Clube de Goa’s community team and Don Bosco ‘B’ team was held before the final which finished in an exciting 2-2 draw.

Winners Don Bosco took home Rs.5,000 and trophy, runners- up St Britto’s received Rs. 3,000 and trophy. Loyala’s collected Rs. 1,500 for finishing third and fourth placed Fr. Agnel were awarded Rs.1,000. All participants were given certificates and the two finalists were given full playing kit.

The following players won individual prizes: Neil Miranda of Loyala’s (most outstanding goalkeeper ), Baggio Mascarenhas of St Britto’s (best defender), Velburn Quadros of St Britto’s (best midfielder), Shannon Viegas of Don Bosco (best striker) and Aman Govekar of Don Bosco (highest goal scorer) .   

Don Bosco High School Prinicipal, Fr. Dominic Savio Fernandes was the chief guest and gave away the winner’s trophy. “The tournament was a splendid advertisement for youth soccer. I want to thank Models chairmen and former pupil of Don Bosco Peter Vaz, for collaborating with the school and sponsoring the event,” remarked Fr. Dominic.

Fr. Igidio Fernandes and Sporting Clube de Goa players Mathew Gonsalves (captain), Freiman Peixote, Angel Berlanga, Juanfri and physio Abhijeet Chatterjee were the guests of honour.

Eddie Noronha compeered and Sporting Clube de Goa CEO Victor Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. Sporting Goa competitions director Angelo Albuerquerque was also present along with photographer Carlton D’Mello.

Anthony Vaz, Joao Pereira and Ashwin Crasto refereed the matches. Sporting Goa equipment manager Shanu kankonkar was also showered with a token of appreciation for his contribution to the club.

Panjim Footballers crowned GFA All-Goa 3rd division champions

Binatone Singh netted dramatically in the 86^th minute to give Panjim Footballers the title after defeating Guardian Angel Sports Club 1-0 in the All-Goa finals of the 3^rd division league, organised by the Goa Football Association at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday. The match was goalless at the interval.

Panjim Footballers, a feeder club for Sporting Clube de Goa consisted fully of their U-18 team and the young unit put up a resilient performance against a strong Guradian Angel side.

Panjim had the lion’s share of chances in the first half, but in the second session experienced started to tell and Guardian Angels strung together some good moves, but fell short in front of goal.

In the 86^th minute, Panjim broke away quickly, catching their opponents on the break, with the ball finding its way to Akeraj Martins and he laid the ball on for Binatone who raced away from his marker and coolly slotted into the bottom corner of the net.

 “The team consists of non-residential academy players and they worked very hard under coach Severino Fernandes and manager Anthony Vaz, but credit also goes to Don Bosco Principal Fr. Domnic Savio for giving the players the opportunity to excel in sport and studies, along with the continued support of Don Bosco PE teacher Francis Raposa,” remarked Panjim Footballers General secretary and Gfa executive member Anju Albuerquerque.

Panjim were awarded the winner’s trophy and cash prize of Rs.20, 000 while the runners up Guardian Angels received a cheque of Rs. 10,000 and trophy. Gfa north vice president Lavinio Rebello gave away the winner’s trophy in the presence of Gfa executive Bardez members Babli Mandraker and Gajanan Kerkar.

Sporting Clube de Goa recruit third Spaniard

In a move to boost their attack, Sporting Clube de Goa has completed the signing of Spanish striker Juan Francisco Garcia Pena, also known as Juanfri, on Thursday in Panjim.

 The 23 year old has previously played for La Liga side Malaga and more recently Ecija Balompie. He started his career with local side Union Deportiva Fuengirola de Los Boliches, before moving to Estepona. “I am looking forward to the new challenge,” remarked Juanfri.

This is the second Spaniard to sign for the Flaming Oranje in little under a week, after defender Angel Berlanga completed his move and scored on his debut in a 2-0 victory over Salgaocar on Monday.

“It was a dream to score on my debut in front of our supporters. I am hungry to help my new team mates win and the club to climb the ladder,” stated Angel.

Angel has previously played for New Zealand champions Auckland City, who represented the Oceania region at the last two Fifa World Club Cups. On both occasions they were knocked out at the first hurdle by Japanese outfits Kashiwar Reysol and the following year Sanfreece Hiroshima.

“Although we did not do so well, it was a fantastic experience and was also nice to sample a new culture,” said Angel. This is not Angel’s first trip to India as he came on holiday to Rajasthan last year and simply fell in love with the country and its people.

“Capturing the signatures of Angel and Juanfri is great news for the club, they will add a sprinkle of Spanish flavour to a team which is bursting with local Goan talent who make up the core of the team”, summed up Sporting Goa coach Oscar Bruzon.