21/04/2026
United Club of Utorda, GFDC hold summer football camp
The United Club of Utorda organised a Summer Football Camp in association with the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC).
Present for the certificate distribution ceremony were GFDC Member Secretary Fransquinha Oliveira, President of United Club of Utorda Trinidade Fernandes, Utorda Sarpanch Celina Gomes, and Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utorda, Fr Arvino Fernandes.
In her address, Oliveira congratulated the organisers for the excellent response the camp received. She also noted that the now-defunct GFDC centre at Utorda has the potential to be revived.
“With 148 trainees in attendance, it clearly reflects the growing interest among the youth in this village. Utorda holds a special place for us. This was once a functioning centre under the GFDC. We strongly believe it has immense potential to be revived and developed into a strong grassroots hub once again. We are confident that Utorda, with the kind of response and support we are seeing today, can certainly grow to exceed expectations. In South Goa, we already have well-functioning centres in Cuncolim, Navelim, and Ambelim, and overall 36 centres across the state,” she said.
“Over the years, GFDC has consistently worked towards organising such games and initiatives with the aim of building a strong grassroots football community across Goa. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our dedicated coaches, Marcus and Jennifer from Utorda. Their commitment, passion, and guidance play a crucial role in shaping these young players, not just as footballers but as disciplined individuals,” she said.
“Camps like these are the foundation for the future of football in our state. I would like to thank the United Club of Utorda for partnering with us and taking the initiative forward. With the continued support of the community, parents, and clubs, we hope to see Utorda emerge once again as a vibrant football centre,” she added.
Fr Fernandes urged the young players to be disciplined.
“In any field, I believe in discipline and in values. It will make you the greatest person, the greatest star in the world. You may be the best player on the field, but if you have no values and discipline—if you get angry with the coaches and referees, or if you don’t know how to interact or respect your elders—it shows what kind of person you are,” he said.
