Dempo SC conducted their third grassroots programme at Fr Agnel Technical Complex ground at Verna on November 28 as part of the club’s community outreach initiative.
The outreach programme saw 180 kids aged between 10-13 years participate in the one-day programme of two different schools- Fr Agnel Ashram, Verna and Mae de Pobres School, Nuvem.
“The aim of the grassroots programme was to give the children a platform to play freely and showcase their skills and talent and to bring the best out of oneself,” said Dempo SC Grassroots In charge, Joyner Antao.
The participants were divided into teams, each consisting of 5 players. The players were given a demonstration of various skills and drills by the coaches before they played out a 5v5 league cum knock-out tournament; Team Liverpool won the competition, defeating Team Arsenal in the finals 1-0.
Speaking on the occasion, youth development technical director Katz Naidoo said, “This is grassroots football, children learn by playing like we did, there was no instruction or coaching but freedom to play and enjoy. Football was the winner, the delight in their faces told the story both boys and girls.”
The festival was supervised by Dempo SC Technical Director Katz Naidoo, Grassroots in charge Joyner Antao and Club’s technical staff and coaches.
“This is an unique programme for the children. And they enjoyed it very much. We are looking forward for more of these activities that give these kids more freedom to play the beautiful game,” said Fr Agnel Ashram coordinator Anthony Nunes.
Earlier, Joyner Antao thanked the entire Dempo SC youth development technical staff for successfully organising the programme; Anthony Nunes and Carlos, coordinators of Fr Agnel Ashram for the programme, for getting the kids organised for the programme.
