Have you heard of the Baby League and the Community Development Programme for football in Goa? These innovative initiatives are gaining traction across the state, sparking the interest of young, aspiring footballers and generating excitement at the grassroots level.
Vasco-based Francisco Nunes, Chairman of the Baby League, has been at the forefront of this movement. As head of the committee, he has travelled extensively across Goa, overseeing the Community Outreach Programmes and Grassroots Festivals.
“I am doing my best to promote the beautiful game of football. I travel from Valpoi to Canacona, and from Vasco to Sanguem, motivating coaches and club administrators, while also attending inter-school tournaments. The demand is high, but resources are limited,” says Nunes. “We need to encourage our coaches and players to participate in these initiatives.”
Community outreach programmes
Salgaocar FC’s Community Outreach Programme runs from October to February, engaging around 600 children every Sunday from 3 pm to 5 pm. This programme has become a vital part of youth football in Goa, providing structured training and fostering a love for the game among young players.
Baby league: A platform for young talent
The Forca Goa Foundation’s Baby League operates three days a week, with matches for U-6, U-8, U-10, U-12 age groups, and U-13 for girls. Hundreds of children participate in these leagues, held in Guirim, Sinquetim, and Chicalim, helping nurture the next generation of Goan footballers.
Grassroots football festivals
Sesa Football Academy also supports grassroots development by organising football festivals and offering training at rural schools. Their one-day festivals celebrate the sport while engaging local communities and inspiring young players to pursue football more seriously.
Clubs and coaches driving change
Several other clubs and individuals are also contributing to the grassroots football scene in Goa. Notable examples include: Pradeep Chopdecar with his Vintage Club in Morjim; St Joseph’s School of Football, with coaching centres in Caranzalem and Ponda; Umer Muttawalli and his Ace Soccer Academy in Vasco; Vaibhav Raut, working with talent from St Jose de Areal and surrounding areas; Danzil Franco’s School of Football in Saligao.
These coaches are shaping the future of Goan football by providing young players with the opportunity to gain valuable match experience, often through participation in the Goa Football Association competitions.
The role of PE teachers
“Physical Education teachers play a crucial role in identifying young talent,” says Nunes. “We need to collaborate with them, as they are the first to spot potential in children.”
GFDC
The Goa Football Development Council has been instrumental in promoting football across the state, but Nunes believes that further motivation is needed for coaches. He highlights the success of Prajot, a GFDC coach in Sanvordem, who led the Dabal School girls’ team to three consecutive Zonal Finals, with three players making it to the Goa Junior Team.
Overcoming parental challenges
The current education system and parental pressure for tuitions have posed significant challenges to children pursuing football. “The Education Department, Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, and Goa Football Association need to collaborate and create a balanced yearly programme that doesn’t interfere with children’s studies,” suggests Nunes. “If the government fully supports football—by improving infrastructure, offering incentives, and revamping academic sports activities—parents may be more inclined to allow their children to pursue football.”
A bright future possible
Nunes remains optimistic about Goa’s footballing future. “The Goa Football Association is doing its bit under the leadership of Dr Caitano Fernandes. I am confident that Goa will one day return to its place as a football powerhouse in India.”
With continued support from local clubs, the GFA, and government bodies, Goa can reignite its football legacy and inspire the next generation of champions.
