PANAJI: The GFA plans to make this season’s Goa Pro-League more spectator-friendly and keeping that in mind, a decision has been taken to allow free entry to senior citizens, college and school students at various Pro League venues.
Though, Tilak and Duler will be the venues for the first leg of the Pro League 2010, Mr Savio Messias, while speaking at the pro league press conference on Thursday, disclosed that senior citizens and students will be given free entry after producing their identity cards.
“It’s a conscious move to attract more supporters both young and old to the venues to cheer the teams and also to improve upon the crowd attendance,” Mr Messias divulged. However, for others, the tickets have been priced at Rs 20, he added.
Besides, the Goa professional league will now witness only 2 foreigners being fielded by teams following a mutual understanding between GFA and the teams in fray, with the sole intention being that of promoting local talent and mostly the U-20 players as the league happens to be a hunting ground for home-grown talent. “The GFA is grateful to the clubs for agreeing on that move (to play 2 foreigners), despite the AIFF permitting four foreigners to play,” Mr Messias replied to a query.
Mr Messias also complimented the teams playing Pro League for supporting the U-20 rule, which in the initial stages of its introduction a few seasons back, had faced some sort of opposition. “Now the teams are reaping rewards for successfully implementing this U-20 rule which has allowed the teams to utilise the league as a platform to promote local talent,” the GFA secretary informed. He also thanked the SAG for refurbishing the Tilak stadium at Vasco, especially for renovating the dressing rooms and toilets, which will now allow players that extra comfort during matches.
Meanwhile, Mr Peter Vaz, GFA vice-president, also highlighted the fact that Goa has been a role model state as far as football is concerned and with Goa putting up an all-round performance the last season, the ensuing league also holds a great promise, Mr Vaz said. Mr Vaz, who is also the Sporting Clube boss, was all praise for various Goan teams and players for being among the title-holders in various national and state-run football tournaments.
“Goa has won the U-21 nationals, besides clubs from Goa have inscribed their names on the prestigious IFA and Durand Cup and also won the junior I-League and senior I-League, which is a great sign for Goan football. Goa also reached the semis of Santosh before making a proud exit. The MoU with Australian Government to promote grass roots development too was path-breaking,” Mr Vaz highlighted.
Mr V M Prabhudesai also reiterated his support on behalf of SAG to GFA for all its future endeavours. Mr Prabhudesai stated that the turf at Tilak stadium, Vasco is ready to host the Goa League and that Salgaocar SC had nodded in its favour following a practice session at Tilak. “Besides, facilities have also been improved at Tilak mainly in view of the Pro League, which begins from Saturday,” Mr Prabhudesai stated.
