They say you cannot take a Goa out of a goan. Football is part of Goa which goans miss. It is an integral part of the life's of Goans, whether they are based in Goa or settled or working elsewhere. lack of space for football practice has been a mind boggling problem for the Goan community, in the rapidly changing landscape of Qatar, a country vying to host the 2022 world Cup.
Whether conducting a football tournament or holding regular football training, is a Herculean task and it left up to community leaders like Jerson Sequeira, Walter Dias , Mauricio pereira, Melwin baretto to use their good contacts and reach out to their Friends and powers, in getting permission to conduct Goa-related football activities. Friday, Saturday are weekend days here in The GCC countries and time for leisure and it was no diffrent on May 14 when goans came in large number to indulge in the football activity at al Ahli grounds, some travelled as far from the industrial area, a drive of more than 30 minutes, during non-peak hours to play at Al Ahli grounds. Thanks to the initiative taken by Sao Jose De Areal born social worker based in Qatar, Mauricio Periera Here is the text of the message which Mauricio circulated among his Friends through SMS and through the mailing group of Goans in Qatar. IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN PLAYING FOOTBALL AS A PASS TIME ON FRIDAY(14TH)AND SATURDAY(15TH)MAY 2010 CAN JUST JOIN ON THE AL AHLI STADIUM GROUNDS, MALL R/A.FROM 4 TO 7PM ONLY.ITS FREE FROM ME TO ALL. THIS ABOVE ARRANGEMENT IS DONE BECAUSE THE DOHA MUNCIPALITY HAS STOPPED OUR BOYS PLAYING NEAR THE MAIN INTERIOR MINISTRY BUILDING.ONCE AGAIN ALL ARE WELCOME. MAURICIO PEREIRA