An air of excitement prevailed at the Jawarharlal Nehru Stadium-Fatorda as 1,000 young football trainees from across 39 centres managed by Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), witnessed the thrilling quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday.
The budding footballers were in the stands jumping on their feet as they cheered every goal and missed opportunity during the Tanzania vs Colombia match that kicked off at 4.30pm.
As players of both the teams battled it out for a spot in the semi-finals of the marquee tournament, the kids witnessed the sporting spectacle of the highest level.
The children attending the match were exposed to high-quality football and management standards, and the organisers hope to fuel their burning passion for the global sport.
Expressing his delight, GFDC Chairman Brahmanand Shankhwalkar said: “I have seen some of the matches. It was difficult to get the kids for the matches earlier due to the exams. They will get to witness the best of the football matches and the best teams in the world play on our soil. I thank the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs for providing the tickets free of cost. I am very happy that we can do this for our trainees. These World Cup matches will Inspire them to take football to greater heights.”
Goa is one of the three host cities for the World Cup that commenced on 11 October.
