AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: As many as 216 boys auditioned for the Sporting Clube de Goa All-Goa Academy trials for the U-17 to U-20 category on the very first day at the Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Tuesday.

Once all the candidates got sufficient time to show off their talent, the exceptional ones were given the opportunity to play against the current SCG U-18 team.

Successful candidates were carefully selected and called back for the second day, where they would further be put through their paces by the SCG Academy Coaches.

The SCG Coaches present included Mahesh Lotlikar, Javier Cabrera, Norbert Gonsalves, Alex Alvares and Seby Noronha.  The club’s two physiotherapists, Brian D’Costa and Abhinandan Chaterjee were on hand to deal with any minor injuries which presented themselves, as the players gave it their all.

“We are happy with the response on the first day of the trials. It is encouraging to see so many dedicated Goan boys, with the desire to get on the pathway to becoming a professional footballer,” remarked the Sporting Clube de Goa Manager Anju Albuerquerque, who was kept busy on the sidelines.