GOA SEVENS PREMIER LEAGUE TO BRING BACK FANS TO THE STADIUM

MARGAO: 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.

The Goa Football Association (GFA) gave GSPL big thumbs up, approving the league and major teams from the Goan professional league, who have consented to play in the GSPL.

"It's an initiative to which we have given a guarded approval. It's something new and may evince some interest and since it is at the end of the season when our Pro league is over, and that too under flood lights, we thought of granting our approval, “said Elvis Gomes, President of GFA.

"The clubs can participate in the same with their registered players or those taken on loan. We will give our final approval based on the league rules set by the organizers. Our role would essentially come in case of any dispute," informed Elvis.

“The organizers have taken the responsibility about team participation. We only insisted that the league should be between registered teams and registered players,” said Elvis.

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 Sevens league is also recognized by the Sports Authority of Goa, (SAG).

Major star players will line-up, with 8 teams; Sensational goals that agonizing miss, or the blotched pass that will win or prove a big loss for the team – those emotions do not end at the final whistle. Goa Sevens Premier League players will soak up the elation, and dust off the disappointment and take that desire to win their next 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.

“We have to try various things to help the sport grow. We felt it would be good for the clubs and the fans to have this kind of a shorter version. Anything that can generate fan interest can be considered within the set parameters,” said Elvis.

The Sevens has two times more participation. Players touch the ball twice as much in 7-sided games. Players are involved in two times as many one-on-one situations. Goals are possible every four minutes. On average, in 7-a-side football, goals are scored every 4 minutes. Goalkeepers make 2 to 4 times as many saves in 7-a-side football than they do in 11-a-side. The ball is out of play 14 per cent of the playing time in 7-a-side football and 34 per cent in 11-a-side football.

“Novelty factor will bring in the fans and it looks quite interesting to the teams, players and the fans. I only urge the participants to play fair and by the rules,” added Elvis.

The Goa Sevens Premier League (GSPL) ensures highest footballing standards which are being followed right through team’s registration. This is the first time ever a State is all set to initiate a league for Sevens football after it originated in Kerala. The ‘Sevens’ gained popularity in Kerala and proved a crowd puller sport.Goa will bid to be the premier 7-a-side football league in the world.

The fun does not stop on the pitch; fans will get to celebrate inclusivity between matches – a time to revel in the festivities with friends and family, to socialize over food, drinks, music and a plethora of other entertaining activities.