Goa government to assist AIFF in creating Centre of Excellence

"Government of Goa is to partner AIFF to create a Centre of Excellence for National Teams across all age groups," said All India Football Federation's general secretary, Kushal Das.

Under the partnership, the government is to provide the land for setting up a Centre of Excellence in Goa.

"The intention stays to model the centre of Excellence on the lines of that we have in developed footballing countries," Das maintained.

Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Sports, Goa; Rufino Monterio, chairman, Goa State Football Development Council and Elvis Gomes, executive director, Sports Authority of Goa were also present when the tie-up took place at the AIFF headquarters here.

"The Government of Goa has already declared football as its State Sport," Tawadkar stated.

"We intend to create better facilities for the sport. Let the other states also follow suit," he added.

Monterio, who's a cardiac surgeon by profession, said "the Football Development Council aims to stress on the Youth Development Programme".

"The YDP has to be specific and we need to cater to youth from the U-10 level. It's also a big challenge to develop all weather grounds in Goa. It's imperative to have quality coaching staff and medical facilities on all grounds.

"The welfare of retired footballers also stays on the agenda," he quipped.

Gomes lauded Monterio's involvement and passion for the development of the sport.

"The government has told us that funds won't stay a constraint for the project. A fund of Rs 5 crore has already been allocated," Gomes commented.