PANAJI
The Forca Goa Foundation has announced the launch of its state-wide mini league, ‘The Junior Gaurs League’.
The competition, which is being conducted for the second year running, has 64 participating schools from across the State. There are 32 teams each in the North and South of Goa, including 16 schools that are part of the Foundation’s Grassroots programme.
The North and South Zone teams are further divided into eight groups of four teams each that play each other on a home and away basis. The top teams from each group qualify for the quarterfinals.
The mini league will run for 45 days and will see children participate across three age groups this year, as compared to just two age groups last year.
Besides the inclusion of the new U-8 age category, this year will also feature girls participating in the league for the first time.
This is a huge step forward for girls’ football in Goa, as it allows girls to participate in competitive football at a young age. This is also the first step towards realizing the foundations dream of having an inclusive grassroots program for children, irrespective of gender.
Through the Junior Gaurs League, the foundation wishes to get children from across the State to participate and enjoy the beautiful game. It also gives the foundation and club the opportunity to scout talented players and help develop them further.
The Junior Gaurs League kicked off at 8.30 am on Thursday at Fr Agnel Central School Ground, Pilar and at Sangolda Panchayat Ground. Sunshine School, Fr Agnel Central, Fairyland School and St Andrews kicked off proceedings at Pilar while St Britto’s High School, Janata High School, GS Amonkar Vidya Mandir and Shanta Vidyalaya took centre stage at Sangolda respectively.
