Descriptive Study of the Inter Village Football Tournaments and Its Role in Enhancement of the Football in Goa

Abstract

Inter-Village Football Tournaments in Goa are regarded as the heartbeat of football in Goa. In this study the researcher used qualitative phenomenological approach to understand the process of organization of the Inter-Village Football Tournaments, address the issues and challenges of Inter-Village Football Organizing clubs, Participating Clubs, and the Players. The researcher also tries to study the objectives of organizing and participating in the tournaments from the perspectives and experiences of organizing clubs, participating clubs, and players. Furthermore, the researcher tries to understand the role played by the Inter-village football tournaments in enhancement of the football in Goa. Data collection for study was done to semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews of the Organizing Clubs of Inter-Village Football tournaments, The Participating Clubs of the Tournaments, and the Inter-Village Football Payers. A total number of 15 Organizing and participating clubs and 10 Focus Groups of Inter-Village Football Players consisting of 8-10 players in each group were the sample of the study. Further the data was analyzed and interpreted using Thematic approach. The study threw light on the process of organization of the tournaments which is unique and standardized across the state. The Goa Football Association ahs framed rules and regulations for the tournaments which are to be followed by the all the clubs. The objectives of organization and participation in the tournaments i.e., talent promotion/identification, match practice is similar across all the clubs and players. The study also revealed the infrastructural facilities at the venues like the playground, changing rooms and the seating area need improvement. The Inter-Village football tournament play an important role football in Goa from the perspectives and experiences of organizing and participating Clubs, and players, these tournaments provide a platform for talent identification, promotion and knowledge sharing, and act as a mechanism for commu