Sesa Football Academy (SFA) emerged as one of the biggest winners at the Goa Football Association (GFA) Awards Night 2025, receiving widespread recognition for its remarkable contributions to Goan and Indian football during the 2024–25 season. The prestigious event, attended by notable dignitaries including the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Guest of Honour Shri Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, and Dr. Caitano Fernandes, President of the GFA, celebrated the achievements of clubs and individuals who have advanced the sport in the region.
SFA was awarded for excellence across multiple categories. The Academy’s qualification for the I-League 3 and Indian Women’s League 2 was hailed as a significant achievement, underscoring their growing stature in Indian football. The Hon’ble CM, Dr. Pramod Sawant, extended his congratulations to the Academy, praising Vedanta’s commitment to nurturing grassroots talent and enabling young athletes to reach the national stage.
The SFA Women’s Team was felicitated for their outstanding performance in winning the 2024–25 Vedanta Women’s League, Goa’s premier women’s football competition, and for securing a berth in the Indian Women’s League 2. In youth football, the SFA U-19 boys’ team was recognised for their runner-up finish in the GFA U-19 Division I League, highlighting the Academy’s ongoing focus on developing young talent.
Beyond team performances, SFA also earned the ‘Special Achievement Award for Overall Excellence in Football Management’, reflecting the Academy’s structured approach and professionalism. They were also conferred with the ‘Organiser Award’ for exemplary venue management throughout the season.
Individual brilliance was a standout theme of the evening. Pearl Fernandes of the SFA Women’s Team was honoured with the coveted ‘Women’s Player of the Year’ award. Coach Severino Fernandes shared the ‘Coach of the Year’ accolade with SFA’s Technical Director, Mr. Gavin Araujo, recognizing their leadership and technical guidance. Additionally, five SFA players were acknowledged for their vital contributions to the Goa State Team’s runner-up finish at the Khelo India Beach Soccer (Men’s) tournament.
Vedanta Sesa Goa’s CEO, Mr. Navin Jaju, expressed pride in the Academy’s achievements, stating that the accolades spotlight SFA’s commitment to raising the bar for Indian football. He commended the efforts of the players and staff and reaffirmed Vedanta’s dedication to developing infrastructure and talent across all levels.
Dr. Caitano Fernandes, President of the Goa Football Association, also lauded SFA for being a pillar of Goan football for over two decades, emphasising their structured approach and contributions to the state’s football ecosystem.
Over the years, SFA has impacted over 8000 young footballers through sustained grassroots initiatives. Notably, 12 alumni have gone on to represent India at the international level in both men’s and women’s categories. In revitalising women’s football in the state, the Academy has provided a platform to over 1400 female footballers through the Vedanta Women’s League since its inception in 2017.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence, infrastructure development, and professional training, Sesa Football Academy continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian football, setting new benchmarks for others to follow.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
