GFDC Devabag Centre celebrated AFC Grassroots Football Day on May 15, at the Government Sports Complex Devabag with enthusiastic participation from 55 boys and girls trainees.
The event featured a series of competitions aimed at developing football skills among young players. Participants were divided into U-10 and U-13 boys categories, while the girls competed in the U-13 category.
In the U-10 boys throw-in competition, Lemuel Fernandes secured first place, followed by Urjit Desai in second and Parth Chari in third. In the penalty shootout event, Asher Rebello finished first, while Jessal D'Souza and Urjit Desai claimed second and third places respectively.
In the U-13 boys category, Noy Fernandes won the juggling competition, ahead of Skyler D'Souza and Vedant Chari. The aim shoot competition was won by Shivam Rao, while Skyler D’Souza and Noy Fernandes finished second and third respectively.
Among the U-13 girls, Lincy Fernandes emerged winner in both the throw-in and penalty shootout competitions. Soraya D'Sa and Aara Khan secured second and third places in the throw-in event, while Valenda D'Souza and Savia Metri finished second and third in the penalty shootout.
Urjit Desai and Vedant Chari were also recognised as the most regular and disciplined trainees of the centre.
Football matches were also organised as part of the celebrations. In the Under-13 boys match, Devabag Dashers defeated Galgibag Giants 2-1, while in the Under-13 girls encounter, Chaudi Chicks edged past Bhatpal Bulbuls 1-0.
The prizes were distributed by Rev. Fr. Riyan Fernandes along with Jeetu Desai, Vasallo Carvalho, Joncy Fernandes, Manoj Chari, Quency Fernandes, coaches Sedrick Travasso and Seby Pereira, and groundperson Yamnoorsab Pinjar.
Earlier, Centre Head Sharendra Naik welcomed the guests, parents, and trainees. Speakers highlighted the importance of discipline, skill development, healthy eating habits, physical activity, and encouraging children to spend more time on the playing field. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Sedrick Travasso.
