Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral
Mayem, Goa: Sesa Football Academy (SFA), in partnership with the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), inaugurated the Sesa–GFDC Under-12 Girls’ Football Tournament at Mayem Ground, marking a significant step in strengthening grassroots football for young girls in the state.
The tournament, which commenced on January 29, 2026, has brought together over 300 young girls representing teams from across North and South Goa. It stands as one of the largest structured grassroots initiatives dedicated exclusively to girls’ football in Goa.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Premendra Shet, MLA for Maem Constituency, as Chief Guest, along with Glenn Ticlo, Chairman, GFDC; Fransquinha Oliveira, Member Secretary, GFDC; Kunda Vishnu Mandrekar, ZP Member; Vishant Pednekar, Sarpanch, V.P Maem; Seema Sanjay Arondekar, Panch Member, V.P Maem; Nitin Gaddi, Council Member, GFDC; and executives from Vedanta Sesa Goa.
Addressing the gathering, Premendra Shet emphasised the importance of balancing academics and sports in a child’s holistic development. He commended SFA and GFDC for creating a structured platform that enables young girls to pursue sporting excellence alongside their education.
The participating teams have been divided into four zones.
Zone 1 (North): Arambol, Pernem, Mandrem, Tuem, Aldona, Poira
Zone 2 (North): Mayem, Sanquelim, Zarme, Valpoi, Savoiverem, Dona Paula
Zone 3 (South): Dabal, Cortalim, Sao Jose De Areal, Navelim, Seraulim
Zone 4 (South): Quepem, Uguem, Ambelim, Devabhag
Glenn Ticlo, Chairman, GFDC, reiterated the council’s commitment to strengthening grassroots football and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to raise the standard of the sport in the state. He acknowledged the support of Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, and Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Sports, in promoting football development.
Speaking on behalf of Vedanta Sesa Goa, Leena Verenkar, Head – CSR & SCDF, stated that sports serve as a powerful enabler of social progress and individual transformation. She noted that the tournament not only provides competitive exposure but also promotes fitness and strengthens women’s football in Goa.
Member Secretary Fransquinha Oliveira described grassroots football as the backbone of Goan football and thanked Vedanta Sesa Goa and stakeholders for their continued support.
Hosting the event was a matter of pride for the Maem panchayat, said Sarpanch Vishant Pednekar, who appreciated the organisers for promoting structured sporting engagement for young girls.
Sesa Football Academy, with over 26 years of contribution to Goan football, has produced more than 230 footballers through its residential programme, including 14 players who have represented India internationally. Through its various initiatives, over 8,000 aspiring footballers have been provided platforms to showcase their talent.
The Sesa–GFDC U-12 Girls’ Tournament reflects a growing commitment to empowering young girls in sports and strengthening the future of women’s football in Goa.
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