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When Salgaocar U-15 Boys Met Sir Alex Ferguson And Rio Ferdinand...
Salgaocar SC U-15 boys may not have been on fire on the pitch but the whole trip to Manchester has been a learning experience for the group as a whole...
08-Aug-2009 7:20:12 AM
Representing India at the Manchester United U-15 Premier
Cup, the Indian club lost all their five matches, thereby conceding 23 and
failing to find the back of the net even on one occasion. But all was not lost.
Speaking to Goal.com from Manchester, Salgaocar SC general secretary, Raj Gomes said, “The boys from other teams are at least a foot taller than us. I have come to realize that physique does play an important role in football.
“What Indian coach Bob Houghton has stated about the need to spot tall boys at the youth level is so true.”
Gomes added that by visiting Old Trafford and watching the facilities, he has realized the vast difference between the international and Indian standards.
“The facilities here are fantastic and for us to come to that level, it’ll take time.”
There were several positives to take from the trip for the U-15 boys as they met several distinguished personalities such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Rio Ferdinand.
“Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton did the draw of the tournament and encouraged everyone. It was Ferdinand’s talk which inspired the boys the most,” said Gomes.
The boys also had the opportunity to watch the pre-season friendly between Manchester United and Valencia at Old Trafford, which the home side won comfortably with a 2-0 scoreline.
“Can you imagine that a pre-season friendly is sold out? More than 74, 000 people came to see the game. The way they cheer every time Rooney touches the ball is phenomenal. I guess the fans in Manchester love Rooney a lot.
“All in all, I must say it was a good exposure for our boys which shall stay with them forever,” said Gomes.
Rahul Bali.
Speaking to Goal.com from Manchester, Salgaocar SC general secretary, Raj Gomes said, “The boys from other teams are at least a foot taller than us. I have come to realize that physique does play an important role in football.
“What Indian coach Bob Houghton has stated about the need to spot tall boys at the youth level is so true.”
Gomes added that by visiting Old Trafford and watching the facilities, he has realized the vast difference between the international and Indian standards.
“The facilities here are fantastic and for us to come to that level, it’ll take time.”
There were several positives to take from the trip for the U-15 boys as they met several distinguished personalities such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Rio Ferdinand.
“Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton did the draw of the tournament and encouraged everyone. It was Ferdinand’s talk which inspired the boys the most,” said Gomes.
The boys also had the opportunity to watch the pre-season friendly between Manchester United and Valencia at Old Trafford, which the home side won comfortably with a 2-0 scoreline.
“Can you imagine that a pre-season friendly is sold out? More than 74, 000 people came to see the game. The way they cheer every time Rooney touches the ball is phenomenal. I guess the fans in Manchester love Rooney a lot.
“All in all, I must say it was a good exposure for our boys which shall stay with them forever,” said Gomes.
Rahul Bali.
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