Mohammed Bashir, Asian Football Confederation Coach Education head, said about Goa’s ability to emerge as the model State for football development.
AFC has certain parameters for the same, for example priority for football, whether the intention is driven by individuals, extent of government support and whether effort is made to interest other stake-holders.
He added: “Goa fulfils most parameters and the Goa Football Association can take advantage of AFC support structures for its activities, through the All India Football Federation.
The AFC Coach Education head was speaking at a session titled ‘Gateway to Indian football success’ on Saturday at GIFT 2013, the football conference organised by Goa Football Development Council.
Bashir mentioned Goa’s adoption of football as the official sport, announced by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday, as an achievement worthy of emulation by other States.
Others on the panel were Lisbon-based Mariano Dias (UEFA Pro Licence coach), England-based Kenny Moyes (Libero Players Agency MD), former India goalkeeper Henry Menezes (Western India Football Association CEO) and Raj Gomes of Salgaocar Sports Club.
Menezes spoke about creating a ladder for youngsters interested in football and Gomes asked about creating a system whereby clubs moulding raw players into I-League stars can be assured of a share of the transfer money.
