Goa's Brasil Futebol Academia: Summer Camp-cum-League

The Goa-based Brasil Futebol Academia (BFA) will start its two-month soccer summer camp-cum-league later this month at the Chowgule Sports & Fitness Centre in Margao and the Taleigao grounds. The camps will be held in the evening from 4 to 6 pm.

Brasil Futebol Academia (BFA) is the 'brain-child' of Roberto Mendes Silva and his friend Jose Ramires Barreto, both professional footballers in India who wanted to give something back to the 'Beautiful Game' and came up with an idea of setting up a football academy in Goa. They both worked really hard to make this dream a reality. Roberto Mendes Silva (Beto) and Jose Ramirez Barreto joined hands to give the kids of Goa and other states an opportunity to learn football in India the Brazilian way.

This years summer camp coaching program has been put together by Glauco Moraes, who has worked with Brazilian stars Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Lucas (Liverpool) and Anderson (Manchester United). Fundamentals of football, sensational samba moves, along with dribbling and juggling sequences will be taught in the first month. Children will be split into divisions depending on their age, grade and experience. There will be a high ratio of coaches to participants to ensure the children are supervised in a fun and educational environment. The camp will teach the individual fundamentals of football and then combine those skills into team drills.

In the second month all the participants will be divided into teams and a competitive league will start creating an enjoyable and fun environment. There will be individual prizes, giveaways and an opportunity to train with the BFA youth teams. There will be some guest appearances by I-League players throughout the camps.

Rafael Von Muhlen coach-manager and Academy head coach Rodrigo Mendes Silva will conduct the summer camp-cum-league. Nigerian Adakole Jonathan, an English FA level certified coach along with AFC 'B' Licence coach Derryl D'Silva will also be present. There will always be a fully stocked first aid kit to treat any minor injuries sustained during the sessions.

During every session the coach present will always carry the following: first aid kit, emergency contact list, extra water, mobile phone risk assessment for the facility, throughout the session each child will be under constant supervision.

Children from the Under-6 to U-14 age groups are welcome, but places are limited. Each student will get an official BFA jersey and shorts. Registrations will be done at Chowgule Sports and Fitness Centre, Borda-Margao and Brasil Futebol Academia Office in Agasaim. Camp registrations will close on April 8.

For details check out Brasil Futebol Academia page on Facebook or contact BFA Office/Elton De Sousa or e-mail bfa_academia@hotmail.com .