Krishnendu Banerjee By

Express News Service

MARGAO: Three National Football League titles, six I-League crowns and six Federation Cup trophies – these are Goa’s Indian domestic football records. But fast forward to 2017, and there is not a single player from the state in India’s 21-member squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. So what happened to the state, once revered and adored as one of the country’s football hubs?

Opinions differ, but all agree on one point – Goa isn’t the football hotbed anymore. But head to the local grounds and the nearest beach, you will see at least five-six boys with a football at their feet. They are not professional players, not even amateur footballers. But they all share a common passion for the game.

Then why does a Goan player not feature in the Indian U-17 squad? All blame the clubs and their decision to dissociate themselves from the I-League.

Fans say that Dempo SC, Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa all pulled out one by one, and in doing so, damaged the football infrastructure in Goa. But in contrast, tickets for FC Goa's matches in the Indian Super League are difficult to get. Goa has let go of their age-old icons and embraced a new entity. But why so?

Paul D’Costa, a college student, who followed the path of many Goans in supporting FC Goa, said, “We don’t have a club to support, to be honest. FC Goa are the only one left. When I look back, I see a bunch of club owners deciding to pull out without fans’ consent. Why should we care about the clubs, which don’t care about their fans? They’re the reasons why we don’t have a player in the U-17 squad.”

While fans are fuming at the way clubs are handling affairs, young players like Joyner Lourenco aren't happy either. The 26-year-old spent five seasons at Sporting Goa before moving to Bengaluru FC for the upcoming ISL season.

“It’s really sad that there is no player from Goa in the U-17 squad. I’m sure coaches picked the right team but there is no lack of talent in the state. What they don’t have is exposure. If Goan clubs keep pulling out of the national league, how will they get the exposure? What is their future?” questioned Lorenco.

“Goan clubs at least should play in the I-League. That way more players and coaches will get a chance at the national level or even in Europe. You just can’t play Goan leagues and develop players.”

Another college student, Alvito Rodrigues, echoed the fan sentiment. “It’s the clubs’ fault that we don’t have a player in the U-17 squad. Their shoddy handling of affairs was the reason they decided to pull out. That led to damage of the football ecosystem in Goa. Academies aren't good enough without exposure,” he said.

Are the clubs listening?