Tag: Grassroots Football

Sports

Bengaluru FC Crowned Champions at the 4th Vedanta Youth Cup 2025-26

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, October 30th 2025 — The 4th Vedanta Youth Cup, hosted by Sesa Football Academy, came to a thrilling conclusion with Bengaluru FC edging out AIFF FIFA Talent Academy by a solitary goal to be crowned Champions. The grand finale offered an exhilarating display of young football talent, with both teams exhibiting remarkable skill, determination, and tactical discipline despite challenging wet conditions caused by heavy rains.

The encounter turned out to be a mid-field battle characterized by possession play and swift counterattacks. Both teams demonstrated resilience and technical prowess throughout the match, but the deadlock was finally broken in the 89th minute. Bengaluru FC’s Hrishikesh Charan Nanarathi converted a set-piece corner with a stunning half-volley, delivering the decisive goal that crowned his side champions.

The victorious Bengaluru FC team received the winner’s trophy along with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, presented by Dronacharya Awardee and veteran coach Mr. Armando Colaco. The runner-up, AIFF FIFA Talent Academy, was awarded ₹70,000, presented by Mr. Laxman Hadfadkar, Executive Member of the Goa Football Association.

The final witnessed the presence of distinguished guests from the football fraternity including Mr. Mohd Faizal Md. So’od, AFC Beach Soccer Instructor and India Beach Soccer Head Coach, Mrs. Daliwza Deena Binti Salihin, Executive Member of the Women’s Football Association in Malaysia, and Mr. Vivek Nagul, Head of Coach Development at the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Individual brilliance was also recognized, with Hrishikesh Charan Manarathi from Bengaluru FC named both ‘Player of the Tournament’ and ‘Player of the Match’. Leivon Thangalur Kom from Muthoot FA earned the ‘Most Promising Player’ award, while Dhannya Harshit Desai of Bengaluru FC was adjudged ‘Best Goalkeeper’. Prathyush Dev from Muthoot FA received the ‘Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament’ title, and Jinesh Thoudam from the AIFF FIFA Talent Academy was named ‘Best Defender’. The ‘Fair Play’ award went to Cortalim Villagers.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Armando Colaco commended the initiative, stating that the Vedanta Youth Cup serves as a vital platform for identifying and nurturing young football talent in India. He emphasized that the competition’s professionalism and quality reflect the growing depth of football in the country and play a key role in shaping future stars.

Mr. Vivek Nagul of AIFF echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of structured tournaments in developing grassroots and youth football. He praised Vedanta Sesa Goa and Sesa Football Academy for their continued efforts to foster football development and provide competitive opportunities for young players.

The Vedanta Youth Cup continues to be an elite-level platform that showcases the depth of India’s footballing potential, while underscoring Sesa Football Academy’s growing reputation for organizing top-tier tournaments and creating opportunities for emerging football talent across the nation.

Sports

Sesa Football Academy Shines at GFA Awards with Multiple Top Honours

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

Sports

Historic Win for FC Siolim in Inaugural Mansion House Football Cup

Tanisha Cardozo

In an unforgettable finale held under the Cuncolim floodlights, FC Siolim emerged as the first-ever champions of the All Goa Mansion House Football Cup 2025 after edging out Curtorim Gymkhana 6-3 in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The match, played at the Government School Playground, ended 2-2 in regulation time before Siolim sealed the deal in the tiebreaker, writing their names into Goan football folklore.

The high-stakes contest began with Curtorim Gymkhana drawing first blood in the 12th minute, courtesy of a clinical finish by their talisman, Anslem Fernandes. But Siolim were quick to respond. Gaurav Vaigankar restored parity in the 25th minute with a thumping strike that energized the crowd and shifted momentum.

The first half saw near misses from both sides, but it was in the second half where the drama truly unfolded. Just minutes after the restart, Pushparaj Mandrekar gave Siolim the lead in the 45th minute with a sharp finish. However, the resilient Curtorim side came back once again through none other than Anslem Fernandes, who scored his second of the night in the 60th minute to make it 2-2.

With no breakthrough in the dying minutes, the match went to penalties, where Siolim held their nerve. Mayuresh Naik, Gaurav Vaigankar, Pushparaj Mandrekar, and Lavnay Shirodkar all confidently converted their spot-kicks. In contrast, Curtorim Gymkhana faltered under pressure, managing to score only once through Savio Peixoto.

The shootout triumph earned Siolim a winners’ purse of Rs 60,000 and the distinction of becoming the inaugural champions of the Mansion House Football Cup. Curtorim Gymkhana took home Rs 40,000 and the runners-up trophy.

Individual brilliance throughout the tournament was recognized with special honours. Mayuresh Naik of FC Siolim was awarded Best Player, Pushparaj Mandrekar received Best Striker, Videsh Sawant took Best Midfielder, while Curtorim’s Johnson Bhagat and James Fernandes won Best Goalkeeper and Best Defender, respectively.

The grand prize distribution ceremony featured prominent dignitaries including Sports Minister Dr Ramesh Tawadkar, Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Tilaknagar Industries State Head Vineet Kumar Bothra, Landry Mascarenhas, Fr Eremito Coutinho, Artemio Da Silva, Lavita Mascarenhas, Siddesh Kurade, Sailesh Vaidya, Angela Dias, and Melvin Costa. The event was compered by Vijay Kumar Kopre Dessai.

The historic evening closed with joyous scenes as Siolim’s players lifted the trophy to thunderous cheers from their traveling supporters. A celebration not just of victory, but of the growing vibrancy of grassroots football in Goa.

Sports

GFDC Celebrates 13 Years of Football Development in Goa

allycaralgoa

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.

EduConnect

Dayanand High School Triumphs in CSSC 7-a-Side Football League Final

Tanisha Cardozo

In an exciting display of young talent and school spirit, Dayanand High School clinched the title in the 7-a-Side Football League Tournament organised by the Chodan Super School Complex (CSSC), defeating St. Bartholomew’s High School in a nail-biting final with a solitary penalty goal.

Held at Saude Ground, Chorao, the tournament was conducted under the leadership of Raghuvir and Premavati Salkar Higher Secondary School, Chorao, and guided by Physical Education teacher Jaganath Ghatwal.

The tournament showcased fierce competition, with St. Aloysius High School, Divar, claiming third place, and Our Lady of Divar High School, Divar, taking fourth.

The final was not just a sporting event but also a celebration of discipline, teamwork, and community engagement. The Chief Guest, Soniya Vaibhav Salkar, spoke passionately about football being more than a game – a tool for instilling discipline and building character. Guest of Honour, Geeta Pramod Salkar, urged students to view sports as a foundation for holistic development.

Also in attendance were Premanand Mahambare, President of the Chorao Educational Society, and Sandeep Sawal, Principal, who both addressed the audience on the transformative power of sports in education.

The prize distribution ceremony was hosted by teacher Luiza Pereira, who also gave a heartfelt vote of thanks to all participants and organisers.

The tournament not only highlighted the growing interest in grassroots football but also strengthened the spirit of unity and sportsmanship among member schools of the CSSC.