PANAJI: Goa Beach Soccer ‘Grassroots Festival’ will be held at Colva on Sunday, 10th January, 2021. The multi-venue event has been conceptualised by Singh Sports Ventures and organised in association with Goa Football Association (GFA). Sports Authority of Goa is providing their support through their network of coaches.
After the events at Calangute and Miramar beaches saw a rousing response, world-famous Colva beach is set to stage the third edition of the exciting format of the beautiful game.
The initiative has been designed in consultation with members of the Indian National Beach Soccer team that last represented the country in 2007 and included the legendary Bruno Coutinho, Arjuna Awardee.
The format and the structure has been adopted as per the AFC and AIFF Beach Soccer guidelines for this emerging sport that is becoming a critical part of the grassroots movement across the world.
GFA Vice -President, Lavinio Rebello, who is also the vice-chairman of AIFF Beach Soccer Committee, has gone on record with the vision to consolidate Goa’s tremendous connection with football and treasure of natural abundance in the form of beautiful beachline.
“The Goa state is endowed with natural and cultural wealth and it is our endeavour not only to protect but develop the same. While beaches are an integral part of Goan ecology and tourism, soccer is an integral part of Goan culture. We have embarked on a mission to combine these two elements together to create the project of Goa Beach Soccer. Our long-term vision is to establish Goa as a preferred destination for Beach Soccer in India and Asia. Through this we are not only developing the sport but also want to raise awareness around the harmful effects of marine pollution.”
Lavinio Rebello, Vice -President, GFA
‘GOA BEACH SOCCER’ SALIENT FEATURES:
The Beach Soccer movement started with an industry seminar that included workshops on Coaching, Refereeing and Administration in July 2020
AFC & AIFF organised an online Beach Soccer Coaches Instructors’ course and 3 Goan coaches participated
The project kicked-off with the Grassroots Festival at Calangute on the 20th December 2020 followed by Miramar on the 3rd January 2021. The Grassroots Festival is scheduled to further take place at 8 different locations across Goa including Colva
Grassroots Festival is open for players in the 8 to 12 years age-group
The game format would be that of 4 vs. 4 & 5 vs. 5 with individual players getting points for their performance. The event takes place from 4 PM to 6 PM at each of the venues
Other partners supporting Goa Beach Soccer are Super 30 Soccer Schools, Play Goa, Coco-Leni eyewear and Visão de Campo by the White House. ‘Live News Goa’ are providing the content and media support.
