‘FC Goa Football Schools’ sign of Club’s ambitions

We have all seen the words ‘More than a Club’ being thrown around like a ragdoll or being plastered in marketing campaigns without much meaning attached to them. Here in FC Goa, we keep showing why.

The youth teams, the Digital Academy, the Little Gaurs League and various other initiatives have been aimed towards building the Club ground up - establishing connections within the community. This January marks an important phase for the Club in that sense as well, as they move to their next big project, the FC Goa Football Schools.
I was impressed as soon as I got to hear about Football Schools for the first time. Through this project, we hope to get the whole of Goa to play football, and have fun in doing so.
There has never been any doubt on the talent and potential of Goan footballers. We are currently smashing it in the ongoing Santosh Trophy, where we’ve topped the group undefeated.
While that is good news, we cannot rest on our laurels. Football is a thing of pride and joy for us. And through the Football Schools, FC Goa is aiming to set up an environment that is conducive to the development of the sport in the state.
I have very distinct memories of my formative years as a footballer. As a kid, I was often distracted and found it tough to focus. My coaches taught me the importance of being disciplined and channelling my energy in the right direction. My coaches and the game of football changed my life.
Now with a good system in place, I hope we can produce more talented footballers who can shine not only on the national but also on the international stage!
I’m eagerly looking forward to the launch of the FC Goa Football Schools.

‘Fighting hard till the end is part of our DNA’
We’ve completed 13 matches so far in the ISL this season, winning six and drawing one. We failed to make the most of the brisk start we had to the season, but we continue to believe in ourselves. We’re surely capable of doing better, and we’ll give our absolute best to try and finish among the playoff spots.
January also marks a year since the nasty COVID outbreak that we had in the bio-bubble last season. It was truly a tough time that derailed our campaign.
A year on, a lot has changed. We have never been hungrier for success, and that has been reflected in our performances. Even when the results were not in our favour, we never gave up and fought hard till the final whistle. It’s something that is a part of our DNA, and that sets us apart.

(Footballer Glan Martins is a midfielder for Indian Super League club, FC Goa)