In Covid-19 times, clubs show faith in youth for Goa Pro League

Panaji: Everything seemed so unusual. There used to be crowds buzzing in villages for Inter-Village football matches in North and South Goa. The Goa Football Association (GFA) was on its toes conducting daily matches in either the age groups or senior divisions.
But life during the coronavirus pandemic came to a standstill and football took a backseat. Things are now slowly getting back on track.While the Inter-Village tournaments have not yet resumed, there is some solace for fans as the GFA gears up for the Goa Professional League which will kick off on Wednesday.
Corps of Signals pulled out of the 12-team league, but they were soon replaced by First Division side Youth Club of Manora. And they are relishing the chance.
“We had the opportunity to take part and we grabbed it. We are building a good team and will definitely be competitive. Our coaches and players are giving their best and we are there to support them,” said Youth Club of Manora president Srikant Sawant.
Fielding a team in the league during Covid times is a financial burden for village clubs. Whether it’s Manora, Velsao Sports and Cultural Club or Guardian Angel SC, it’s the passion for football that keeps them going.
Others have had to work out their finances. One of Goa’s oldest clubs, Vasco SC, for example, have stitched a partnership and are even looking to participate in national tournaments, if more sponsors show interest.
“It was a bit difficult for everyone, but we have managed to cope up with the situation. We have signed some senior players and are hoping for a successful season,” said club director Ravish Narvekar.
While the Indian Super League (ISL) is entirely being conducted in Goa from November within a bio-secure bubble, the Pro League cannot be conducted on such a scale.
The GFA, however, has come up with Standard Operating Procedures that will help them conduct the 66 matches till April, hopefully without any hiccup.
Clubs have been directed to maintain social distancing, while sanitisation and other precautionary measures will be in place. Players and officials will have to go through the Covid-19 RT-PCR test 48 hours prior to their first match.
“The cases in Goa are not rising and are under control, so it was okay to go ahead with the league. We must start somewhere and see how it goes. AIFF has sent a notification saying there are no youth leagues which is fair enough,” said Salgaocar FC secretary Adlear D’Cruz.
With no youth leagues, Pro League teams have promoted their youngsters. Sesa FA, FC Goa’s developmental team, Dempo SC, Sporting Clube de Goa and Salgaocar have all put their faith in youth for this season.
Goa’s only I-League representative Churchill Brothers FC, who were joint winners of the last edition with Sporting, have assembled a separate squad, exclusively for the state league.
This edition of the Goa Pro League may not be as competitive or glamorous as some in the past. But with clubs giving youth a chance, and football finally making a return, there is little to complain.