The Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), established in 2012 to nurture football talent at the grassroots level, celebrated its 13th year on August 13, 2025, at the Athletic Stadium, Santacruz.
The special function began at 5:30 PM with a cake-cutting ceremony, graced by Chief Guest Secretary Sports, Shri. Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, alongside Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director, Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs; Shri. Sumith Maheshwari, High Performance Director, Khelo India; Fransquinha Almeida, Member Secretary, GFDC; and other dignitaries.
The celebrations included spirited football matches between coaches and officials of GFDC, DSYA, and SAG, showcasing camaraderie and passion for the sport. Prizes were distributed by the Secretary Sports, acknowledging the contributions of participants and stakeholders.
Since its inception, GFDC has played a pivotal role in promoting football in Goa through grassroots programs, coaching clinics, youth leagues, and fitness assessments for coaches. Its initiatives have been instrumental in creating a sustainable ecosystem for football talent in the state.
Panaji, July 27, 2025 — In a move symbolizing legacy and progress, Jason Dmelo has been appointed as the Head Coach of the Sesa Football Academy (SFA). An alumnus of the very academy he now leads, Jason’s appointment is not just a personal milestone but a strategic step forward for SFA’s broader ambitions.
Announcing the appointment, Ms. Leena Verenkar, Head CSR at Sesa Goa, said,
“We are extremely happy to have Mr. Jason Dmelo on board. His rich experience and expertise in football will immensely contribute to our endeavours in nurturing grassroots talent and elevating SFA to national and international prominence.”
Jason holds an AFC ‘B’ License and has served the academy in various coaching roles including Goalkeeping Coach and Assistant Coach for U-17, U-19, and U-21 teams. His football journey spans playing for clubs like Salgaocar FC and Calangute Association, and coaching at GFDC and Piedade Youth Club.
With SFA’s #LetsFootballForIndia initiative gaining momentum, the Academy is actively expanding its national footprint in both men’s and women’s football. Jason’s recent achievements as a coach — from winning the U-17 Dream Sports Championship to leading teams in the Reliance Foundation Development League — highlight his readiness for the role.
Reflecting on his appointment, Jason said,
“It’s an honour to return to where it all started. I look forward to helping SFA scale new heights and inspire the next generation of footballers.”
SFA, Vedanta Sesa Goa’s flagship CSR initiative, has trained over 230 players, with 11 representing India internationally. It also organizes major grassroots events like the Vedanta Youth Cup and Vedanta Women’s League, nurturing talent from rural regions.
With this leadership transition, SFA is poised to make a strong push onto the national football map, and Jason Dmelo is ready to lead that charge.
In a major boost to Indian football, Manchester United, one of the world’s most iconic football clubs, is set to establish a state-of-the-art football training centre in Tamil Nadu.
The proposed training centre, which is expected to be operational soon, will provide young footballers in India with a platform to showcase their skills and receive training from experienced coaches. The centre will also have a special focus on women’s football, promoting the growth of the sport among women in India.
The decision to establish a training centre in Tamil Nadu is a testament to Manchester United’s commitment to promoting football development in India. The club has a significant following in India, with millions of fans across the country.
The Manchester United football training centre in Tamil Nadu will be a hub for football excellence, providing young players with access to world-class coaching, training facilities, and equipment. The centre will offer a range of programs and facilities, including coaching clinics, training sessions, and workshops.
Manchester United’s decision to establish a training centre in Tamil Nadu is also a significant boost to women’s football in India. The centre will provide women footballers with access to top-class coaching, training facilities, and equipment, helping to promote the growth of the sport among women in India.
The establishment of the Manchester United football training centre in Tamil Nadu marks a new era for Indian football. The centre will provide young players with a platform to develop their skills, and will help to promote the growth of the sport in India.
“We are excited to establish a football training centre in Tamil Nadu, and to contribute to the growth of football in India. The centre will provide young players with access to world-class coaching, training facilities, and equipment, and will help to promote the development of football in India.” – Manchester United Official
“We are delighted to welcome Manchester United to Tamil Nadu, and to support the establishment of a football training centre in our state. The centre will provide a major boost to football development in Tamil Nadu, and will help to promote the growth of the sport in India.” – Tamil Nadu Government Official
