PANJIM: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Arjuna Awardee, Bruno Coutinho of Calangute as the ambassador for football for the State, following the recommendation from GFA.
Bruno was ecstatic that he was appointed as the ambassador of Goan football, when contacted by O Heraldo. ‘This was going on for quite sometime, and I have just got the news today. I do not know what exact role I have to play, as so far, no details have been provided to me,’ stated Bruno.
"I have done by topmost for football. I have put in my everything for football, both for Goa as well as India. And now, I am ready to do whatever more is needed from me. I am set to shoulder greater responsibilities in my new role. Surely, I will put in extra efforts for the role I need to play in future. I am grateful to both AIFF as well as GFA for proposing my name for the coveted designation, the first in any sport,’ elaborated Bruno.
Ambassadors are incredible role models who help inspire future generations to achieve excellence through participation. They are passionate and influential individuals and as such, Bruno could be expected to contribute to the State's mission as football is the official sport of Goa. It is certainly not an ornamental post.
Bruno will now have outreach engagement opportunities. He will have to partner with local community-based, village clubs with motivational talks, demonstrations and one-on-one interactions. He will surely serve as a powerful role model for youngsters and our football-academy based partners as they encourage our youth to believe they can achieve.