MARGAO
The United Club of Utorda, in collaboration with the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), successfully organized a two-week football summer camp at the floodlit SAG ground in Utorda. The camp saw the enthusiastic participation of approximately 140 young trainees, both boys and girls, ranging from 6 to 14 years old.
The camp was led by a team of dedicated coaches, including Suraj Pujari, Marcos Carvalho, Antonio Pereira, Linet Vaz, Jose Gomes, Cedric Coelho, Jennifer Fernandes, and Damaceno Pereira. These coaches focused on instilling values of fairness, positivity, consistency, and discipline in the participants.
Navin Fernandes, Sr. Program Manager at Dream Sports Foundation, attended the camp and provided valuable support to both the coaches and trainees. His motivational interactions were a highlight, encouraging the young footballers to continue pursuing their passion for the sport.
The camp concluded with a special ceremony, where the parish priest of Utorda, Rev. Fr. Arvino Fernandes, expressed his appreciation for the Utorda club’s efforts in promoting grassroots football. Trindade Fernandes, President of UC Utorda, welcomed the gathering, while Secretary Tony LC Fernandes, in his vote of thanks, acknowledged the significant contributions of Fransquinha Oliveira, Member Secretary of the Goa Football Development Council, the Sports Authority of Goa, and Joe Dias of VJT Arts for their continued support.
During the open sessions, trainees Miss Saanvi G. Kantak and Mervick Fernandes shared their experiences and the benefits they gained from the camp, emphasizing the positive impact it had on their development.
The organizing committee, which included sports secretaries Pascoal Vaz, Tony LC Fernandes, and several other community members such as Vincent Fernandes, Albino D. Costa, Jhonny Gomes, Inacinho Pereira, Liberata Fernandes, Ana Pacheco, Carmelina Pereira, Assumpta Da Cruz, Bruno Azaredo, Shawn Pereira, Azavedo Gomes, and Camilo Da Cruz, played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the camp.
Parents expressed their gratitude, sharing their appreciation for UC Utorda's initiative and requesting that the summer camps be extended, as they proved to be incredibly beneficial for the children. The trainees were also provided with nutritious meals during the camp, adding to the overall success of the event.
