The Government of Goa in collaboration with FIFA are expecting to fill the stadiums during the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup matches in Goa through the 'stadium filling programme’, disclosed Ajay Gaude, Executive Director of Sports Authority of Goa.
Project Director FIFA LOC Ankush Arora and Arjuna awardee Bruno Coutinho were also present.
"We have learnt from our experiences during the World Cup hosted in 2017 and are therefore taking the extra steps to see that children from all schools in Goa will be able to come and attend matches,” stated Gaude. Passes, refreshments and transport are going to be provided to all schools that have sent us an email intimating their desire to bring students, he added.
Goa will be hosting 16 matches, two of which will be quarterfinals and two semi-finals. Group B and Group D matches will be hosted in Goa. Germany, Nigeria, Chile and New Zealand have been clubbed in Group B and Japan, Tanzania, Canada and France in Group D.
“Team New Zealand has already arrived in Goa,” disclosed Ankush Arora. “Practise matches start on October 8,” added Ankush.
Tickets for the tournament have been priced at Rs 100 and Rs 200 and the box office sales of tickets started at the Fatorda stadium today,” declared Ankush. “The first match will kick off at 4.30 pm and the second at 8 pm,” disclosed Ankush.
“We have been liaising with the Department of Education, GFA clubs, GFDC centres and all involved in SAG coaching centres. In case any institution has not been reached, they are requested to send an email to either the Department of Education or SAG and we will work out the modalities immediately,” assured Ajay Gaude.
FIFA, according to Gaude, had sponsored the E Licensing programme for coaches in Goa and 24 Goan players got their licenses after successfully completing the course. A two-day carnival was held at Fatorda and Utorda to awaken the spirit of football.
Bruno Coutinho, Director of coaching SAG and nodal officer Khelo India appealed to all former players and football enthusiasts to attend the matches in large numbers. “Football becomes beautiful
in the presence of spectators and I appeal to all to come and make the World Cup a beautiful festival,” appealed Bruno.
