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Benjamin Silva, (second left) President of the Goa Sevens Premier League at the official draw ceremony along with Igidio Dascosta, Referee Assessor, Charlton Furtado, Event Co-ordinator and Benjamin Silva, Match Commisioner (third left) held at PJN Stadium Conference Hall, Fatorda on Thursday.
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MARGAO: Churchill Bros SC. will lock horns with Dempo SC in the opening match of the Goa Sevens Premier League (GSPL) beginning from 30th April to May 14th at at the training ground adjacent to the Fatorda stadium, Margao.
The official draw was held at the hands of Benjamin Silva, President of Goa Sevens Premier League in the presence of officials and Team Managers.
“The main aim to organize the Goa Sevens Premier League is to create more awareness about football. We have football culture in Goa and are having the Sevens League for the first time in this State. It has never happened. Today we are attempting to get the crowd back through the Seven-a-Side League,” said Benjamin Silva.
“Look at Kerela, they have been successful in the Seven-a-Side tournament. But we have created ground for this Sevens event.
“Today we have the Team Managers representing all the teams . I urge them to inculcate a sense of discipline in this league,” appealed Benjamin.
The top 8 clubs include Salgaocar FC, Dempo SC, Vasco SC, Sporting Club de Goa and Churchill Bros SC. FC Bardez, Guardian Angel SC and Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim.
The participating teams with their star players would be seen in action at the training ground adjacent to the Fatorda stadium. The preparations are on a war footing at the venue with the support of Sevens experts from Kerala.
“This is the first time we are having the Sevens League. We need the cooperation from all teams to make this a big event.
“This tournament will be run under GSPL and will be played according to the Sevens rules,” informed the Benjamin Silva, Match Commisioner.
Benjamin highlighted the rules of the game with the team managers. He also spoke on the ground dimensions and the match duration. The sample of the official ball was displayed to the media.
A minimum of five players will be required to kick start the match. We are following the league format which is result oriented,” informed the Match Commisioner.
Igidio Dascosta, Referee Assessor, spoke on the Fair Play and rules of the game. He answered the Team Managers queries and explained the finer aspects of the rules.
The Goa Sevens Premier League (GSPL) will look to bring football fans back to the stadium to celebrate all that is beautiful about the game.
Using football as a bridge, Goa Sevens Premier League aims for mass participation amongst football clubs and most importantly the fans, which have been missing in a competitive setting.
The 15-day event comprises in a league cum knock-out format starts on April 30th and ends on 14th of May. Doordarshan will telecast the semi-final matches and the final.
On the final day of the event, football legends of Kerala and Goa will face off in an exhibition match.
After the Goa League the sevens will hit Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Telungana and Chathisgarh. All these States expressed their willingness to initiate the Sevens League. Middle East is also keen on launching Sevens league in the region.
The GSPL is organized by Ambelim Sports Club and Goa Sevens Sports and Cultural Association . The GSPL media campaign is supported by Goa Network7, PR agency.
