Marcos helps to make football all-weather sport in Kashmir

Abid Khan

Srinagar, Jan 6: Brazilian coach, Juan Marcos Trio, who runs the International Football Academy Trust, said that he wanted to make football an all-weather sport in the valley. Marcos on Monday kick started the second edition of the ISAT winter special seven-A-side football tournament in a bid to promote the culture of winter football in the valley. “When I came here, I saw playing football was restricted to summers only,” he said. “The departmental teams shifted their base to Jammu forcing the game to a grinding halt during the winters.” He said that the cessation of the game during winters deteriorated its quality. “After studying the scenario of football for two years, I came to this conclusion that JK has failed to achieve what it deserved at the national level.” He said that the valley abounds with the football talent and many players have performed brilliantly in various national and international events. “It is the lack of facilities and the cessation of activities during winters which are harming the football here,” he said. Marcos said that he had to change the format of the game keeping weather conditions in view. “The activities cannot be the same as that in summers but they can go on with some little changes,” he said. “I have brought the seven-A-side format which is hugely popular outside India.” He said that players needed little effort in this format. “In the seven-A-side football, the width and length of field is shortened so for that players don’t apply themselves hard,” he said. “Private clubs should continue practicing in winters as well. It will help them improve their skills and reflexes and they will prove tough opponents to nay team.” He said the conditions in Brazil and Argentina were much worse but they still ruled the football world from many years. “They take their football seriously and continue their activities throughout the year,” he said. Satisfied with his efforts, Marcos, said the tournament received tremendous response from all quarters. However, he seemed upset with the J&K Sports Council. “Some of the officials there are creating hurdles,” he said. “I wanted to hold the tournament in Polo Ground which because of its central location would have attracted larger audience.” He appreciated the J&K Football Association in supporting his efforts which had reportedly pleaded before the Council to allow him hold the tournament at the Polo Ground.
published in greater kashmir on January 7-

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