Editorial in the oHERALDo
Profitable football Can Goan football be developed into a profitable venture? The suggestion by Portugal’s Football and Friends suggestions on how to develop football as a profitable industry in Goa should be considered seriously. On one hand the state government has declared football as the state sport and Goa has all the potential and this is more than obvious from the fact, that off late more and more Goan teams are winning national trophies like the Durand Cup and the Santosh Trophy. Teams like Dempo Sporting, Salgaocar and Sporting Club De Goa have made Goa proud but after that what has the state government done. Practically nothing. Agreed the Goa Football Association has left no stone unturned to ensure the overall development and progress of football in the state, with the Duler project being the latest feather in their cap. And GFA’s new committee since 2003 has revolutionized Goan football especially on the youth development front by bringing in foreign coaches, sending two boys and the under 14 team overseas. No, doubt Goa Football Association has managed to bring in corporate sponsors but how much is coming down to the players. Is there any incentive scheme that one has for cricket? Yes, much more is needed, in particular financial assistance so that the player can complete his education and also knows what financial security is. This is important because many players are not paid their salaries on time, despite officials claiming they are, because financial security means peace of mind. Have a grading system for players, depending on their experience. A fund to help in times of distress and then watch the results. Provide the latest scientific equipment for the players to train, physio’s to guide them, medical facilities, proper playing surfaces and the latest playing equipment. That is only for the starters which can be followed with exchange programmes with other international teams so that the exposure is gained. If we want Goa to top the football charts, the government has to play the right kind of music otherwise it will just sink on the flat notes ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Goanet supports BMX, the alumni network of Britto's, St Mary's and Xavier's -- three prominent institutions in Mapusa, Goa. Events scheduled from Dec 16 to 21, 2006 For more details visit http://www.bmxgoa.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------
