Experienced Goan coach appointed head of youth development, assistant coach to first eleven
the goan I network
Panaji
Months ahead of the fourth season of the Indian Super League, FC Goa announced the appointment of the club’s new head of youth development, who will also play the role of an assistant coach during the tournament. The Gaurs have decided to hand over the reins of their youth development programme to Derrick Pereira, the much decorated Goan coach, who is currently helming the affairs at I-League club Churchill Brothers.
The announcement was made by Akshay Tandon, who took over as the President of the franchise last September, in the city. He outlined the plans for the team, which now wants to develop football in the State and not focus solely on the ISL first team, which finished at the bottom in the league
last season.
“We have launched a developmental squad, ideally to play in the forthcoming Goa Pro League and have signed Derrick Pereira as the new head of youth development and assistant coach to our ISL team,” Tandon revealed at a press event in the city.
“Whenever we talk of plans for a developmental squad, it starts from the grassroots level from 6-14 years. It also includes the youth right from the U-12 level all the way to U-23 thus giving them a clear vision to their aspirations of playing for FC Goa. To achieve this, we have brought on board someone who can architect these plans and Derrick (Pereira) is the perfect person,” the club president stated.
Pereira, a highly accomplished top-flight coach was elated to be roped in by the Gaurs. “I will try to fulfil the vision of the owners and (work) for football in Goa. I believe we can develop good Goan footballers with the focus on grassroots and youth. We definitely will produce better players to take football in the State to the next level. We can develop world-class players. We have the facilities,” the affable manager said. “We need competition to develop the players and I think Goa Pro League and all-India tournaments will help us to give exposure to these young players,” he added.
Pereira said this was just the right opportunity he was seeking to accomplish his vision of helping Goan football grow. “During my break, I wanted to do something for the youth and now I have got this opportunity. It will help me to do my bit for Goan football,” the 55-year-old coach stated.
Looking at the ISL spectrum as a neutral observer, Pereira believes a lot of positives have been gained by Indian football from the relatively new tournament. “ISL has brought back the crowds to the stadium. There is an attachment of the fans, especially to FC Goa. It has also given exposure to many Indian players to play alongside top players of world football,” he said. Pereira revealed that he would continue to coach Churchill Brothers until the Federation Cup, whereon he would join FC Goa on a two-year contract.
Tandon meanwhile stated that the team wants to lay down a philosophy to be followed for the next 10 years. “A part of this philosophy is having more dependency on Indian players, specifically Goan players. I think what we are doing currently is laying the foundation to that,” he said. “The technical team that we are putting together includes some of the best minds in Indian football.”
Talking about the season ahead, Tandon said: “We still do not have had a word from the ISL regarding player guidelines. We don’t have a clear picture. ISL is doing everything they can to bring out a plan as quickly as possible.”
Pereira was later presented his jersey by the club President, while three developmental squad players, Aaren D’silva, Princeton Rebello, Liston Colaco were also handed over their new team jerseys. The youngsters, besides Derren Fernandes, Jude Cardozo and Ivon Costa, are among nine players signed by the club as part of their developmental squad.
