Tag: Vedanta Women’s League

Sports

Sesa Football Academy’s Aaroshi Govekar Poised for National Team Debut Against Nepal

allycaralgoa

In a proud moment for Goa and Sesa Football Academy (SFA), talented defender Aaroshi Ramdas Govekar has been called up to the Indian Senior Women’s Football Team for the one-off friendly against Nepal, to be held on October 29, 2025, at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim.

This match, India’s first-ever international fixture in Sikkim, is part of the celebrations marking 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood. The event not only highlights the growing prominence of women’s football in India but also showcases the increasing representation of Goan players on the national stage.

Aaroshi, hailing from Nerul, Goa, has been a standout performer since joining Sesa Football Academy in 2018. Her consistent defensive displays in the Vedanta Women’s League earned her the ‘Best Defender’ award in the 2024–25 season, while she also helped the SFA Women’s Team lift the Championship title. She represented Goa at the Senior Nationals in 2024 and 2025, proving her mettle at the highest state level.

Her football journey began humbly—playing with village boys out of curiosity and determination—before progressing to represent clubs like Bengaluru FC, Calangute Association, and Puneri Warriors FC. Her growth reflects years of discipline, training, and an unwavering love for the game.

Speaking on her selection, Aaroshi said, “It’s a dream come true to wear the Indian jersey. This moment is not just a personal achievement but the result of years of dedication, passion, and hard work. I’m deeply grateful to Sesa Football Academy, my teammates, and my family for their support. I’ll give more than my best to make the country and Goa proud.”

She also expressed gratitude to the SFA coaching staff, crediting them for shaping her tactical awareness and physical development.

Mr. Gavin Araujo, Technical Director at Sesa Football Academy, shared, “We are extremely proud of Aaroshi’s selection to the National Camp, which embodies the values Sesa Football Academy stands for — perseverance, discipline, and excellence. With more Goan women now making it to the national level, the future of women’s football in the State looks promising.”

Aaroshi’s selection follows that of another SFA star, Pearl Fernandes, who recently represented India at the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship in Bhutan, helping the team clinch the title and qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2026.

From local fields in Goa to the international stage, Aaroshi’s journey is a reflection of Goa’s growing impact on Indian women’s football — and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the state.

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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.