Tag: Goa Football

Sports

FC Goa Offers Free Entry to Women for February 26 Clash Against Sporting Delhi

Tanisha Cardozo

FC Goa is set to celebrate its female fans in a grand gesture ahead of International Women’s Day 2026. For the match against Sporting Delhi on Thursday, February 26th at the Fatorda Stadium, entry will be completely free for women of all ages, across all stands. This initiative reflects FC Goa’s commitment to honoring the women who have passionately supported the club over the years and fostering an inclusive environment for football in the state.

Ravi Puskur, CEO of FC Goa, said the move is a way to thank women for their support and ensure the stadium feels welcoming and celebratory. “We hope this match becomes more than just a game—a shared evening where families come together, young girls see themselves as part of football’s future, and Fatorda reflects the inclusive spirit that football in Goa truly stands for,” he said.

The matchday will feature dedicated women-only entry lanes to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Loyal female season pass holders will also enjoy exclusive half-time on-pitch contests and activations. Special partner booths and giveaways will be set up around the stadium, enhancing the matchday experience for female attendees. Adding a special touch, young girl mascots will lead the starting XI for both teams onto the pitch, with fans invited to nominate participants through club social media contests.

This celebration continues FC Goa’s strong focus on promoting women’s football. The club has a history of fielding an FC Goa Women’s Team and nurturing grassroots talent through programs like the Little Gaurs League and FC Goa Football Schools, which train girls across multiple age groups and skill levels. The club is also actively supporting competitive local talent, training an U14 girls team for the GFA U14 Women’s League in partnership with St. Dominic Savio SC Calvin.

The February 26 match promises a day of celebration, community engagement, and inspiration, underscoring FC Goa’s ongoing efforts to make football inclusive, exciting, and empowering for women and girls across the state. Further details on free entry and matchday activities will be shared via FC Goa’s official social media channels.

Sports

GFA Cracks Down on Match-Fixing: 14 Players Charged in Goa Pro League Probe

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Football Association has taken a decisive step in addressing alleged match-fixing in the Goa Professional League 2025-26 season by issuing a detailed 288-page chargesheet to 14 players, most of whom are former members of Chapora Yuvak Sangh. The move marks a significant development in one of the most serious integrity-related investigations in Goan football in recent years.

The probe was initiated after Chapora Yuvak Sangh sacked nine players in October 2025 and subsequently filed a formal complaint along with an FIR at Mapusa Police Station. In response, the Goa Football Association appointed retired Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandesh T. Chodankar as the Investigating Officer to conduct a thorough inquiry into the allegations.

Following months of investigation, the Ethics Committee compiled an extensive chargesheet outlining the findings and evidence against the players involved. The accused players have now been given a period of 10 days to submit their responses, after which the committee is expected to deliberate and announce its decision in early March. Potential sanctions could have significant implications for the players’ careers and the broader football ecosystem in the state.

Speaking on the development, GFA President Dr. Caitano Fernandes reiterated his commitment to cleaning up the sport in Goa. He stated that upon taking office in 2022, he had assured clubs of firm action against unethical practices and emphasised that the association is moving steadily towards fulfilling that promise. He further added that the Executive Committee will take the strongest possible action against those found guilty.

The case has drawn widespread attention within the football community, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining integrity in competitive sport. As the process moves forward, the outcome is expected to set a strong precedent for governance and accountability in Goan football, reinforcing the importance of fair play and transparency in the game.

Sports

14 Teams Gear Up as ISL 2025-26 Kicks Off on February 14

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The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 is all set to launch on February 14, marking another thrilling chapter in India’s top-tier football competition. 14 teams from across the country will battle it out over the course of the season, aiming for supremacy, glory, and a chance to lift the coveted ISL trophy.

Fans can look forward to a season filled with tactical battles, emerging young talents, and international stars showcasing their skills on Indian soil. With fixtures scheduled across major cities, the league promises high-energy football, fan engagement, and electrifying stadium atmospheres.

Teams are preparing meticulously, with transfers, pre-season camps, and strategy sessions shaping up ahead of the kickoff. Clubs like Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, and Odisha FC are expected to be major contenders, while new signings and promising youngsters could change the dynamics of the league.

The ISL continues to grow in stature, nurturing Indian football talent, attracting international attention, and inspiring fans across the country. With the season opener set for February 14, football enthusiasts can expect a fiery start to what promises to be a landmark season.

Stay tuned as the chase for the ISL summit begins!

Sports

Goa to Host Two Qualifying Rounds of Red Bull Four 2 Score Season 4

allycaralgoa

Goa is set to once again become a hotspot for grassroots football as it hosts two qualifying rounds of Red Bull Four 2 Score Season 4, one of the world’s most unique and high-intensity small-format football tournaments. With separate qualifiers scheduled in North and South Goa, a total of 96 teams from across the state will compete for coveted spots in the national finals later this year.

The North Goa qualifiers will take place at Play Goa, while South Goa will host matches at The Base. Both rounds are scheduled over January 24 and 25, with matches running from 9 am to 4 pm at each venue. Each qualifier will feature 48 teams, highlighting Goa’s deep-rooted football culture beyond professional leagues.

Red Bull Four 2 Score is known for its fast-paced and action-packed format. Matches are played four-a-side, without goalkeepers, on compact fields, and last 10 minutes. Adding to the drama, goals scored in the opening and closing 60 seconds count double, ensuring relentless attacking play from start to finish.

The tournament is open to players aged 16 to 35, with teams allowed a maximum of five players, including one substitute. Participation is inclusive across genders, and matches can be played on turf, grass, or hard courts—underscoring the tournament’s accessibility-first approach.

Winning teams from city qualifiers across India will advance to the national finals in Coimbatore, scheduled for the end of March. Ten city champions will compete in a group-plus-knockout format, with the winners earning the title of Red Bull Four 2 Score India Champions.

In the event of a draw, matches are decided through a golden goal showdown, where one player from each team goes head-to-head until a goal is scored. Any denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity during this phase results in an automatic win for the opposition, adding immense pressure and excitement.

The national champions will earn the chance to represent India at the Red Bull Four 2 Score World Final in Toronto, Canada, set to take place after the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Last season, Goa-based team Boom Boom Goa represented India at the World Finals in Salzburg—and will once again be among the teams to watch during the Goa qualifiers.

Sports

Candolim Panchayat–Super 30 Football Programme Sets Benchmark in Grassroots Development

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji: Over the last six to seven years, a structured and community-driven football development model led by Candolim Panchayat, implemented through Super 30 Soccer Schools and represented competitively by Super Goan Football Club, has steadily emerged as one of Goa’s most consistent grassroots football ecosystems.


The programme, headed by president Ricardo Cardozo, focuses on building football development from the grassroots level with an emphasis on structure, patience and continuity. “We have always believed that football development cannot be rushed. If you give children the right environment early and stay committed to the process, results will follow naturally,” Cardozo said.

The system introduces children to organised football training from the age of six, following a progressive age-group structure that focuses on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning and discipline. This pathway allows players to move seamlessly into competitive football through Super Goan Football Club, the parent club of the programme.

Over the past four years, Super Goan FC has consistently finished among the top four teams in grassroots tournaments, winning multiple competitions, while also establishing itself as a strong contender in the GFA Second Division League with regular top-four finishes.

A major strength of the initiative has been the development of supporting infrastructure across multiple centres. Daily training sessions are held at the Candolim Panchayat Football Academy, where over 100 children train across various age groups. High-intensity futsal sessions are conducted at the Nagoa Futsal Arena.

The football network has expanded to centres at Porvorim and the Benaulim Constituency Football Academy, which functions under the Super 30 umbrella with the support of Warren Alemao, ensuring a common football philosophy across regions.

The programme has received consistent institutional backing from Candolim Panchayat, with continued encouragement from Blaize Fernandes. The technical framework is led by head coach Tony Okafor, while operations and coordination across centres and competitions are managed by Marcos Fernandes, Head of Department and Manager, with support from Shrikrishna Nagvekar.

Beyond results, the initiative has fostered strong community involvement, particularly on matchdays, where parents and supporters turn up in large numbers to create a vibrant atmosphere. “When parents become part of the journey, it motivates the children and strengthens the entire system,” Cardozo added.

One of the most significant outcomes of the programme has been its commitment to developing and competing with homegrown players. Several footballers who began their journey within this structure have progressed to professional youth clubs, continuing their careers beyond grassroots and state-level competitions.

With a clear grassroots-to-club pathway, growing infrastructure and strong community backing, the Candolim Panchayat–Super 30–Super Goan FC model continues to demonstrate how sustained grassroots planning can shape the future of football development in Goa.