PANAJI
The fourth edition of the inter-school football league, Next Gen League (NGL) 4.0, got underway on June 23 at The King's School turf in Sao Jose de Areal, with opening fixtures in the U17 Boys and U15 Girls categories.
Organised by The King's Sports Academy, the league will feature competitions across the U6, U8, U10, U12, U15 and U17 boys' and girls' categories as part of its continued effort to promote grassroots football in Goa.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chennaiyin FC head coach Clifford Miranda as the chief guest. Miranda lauded the role played by the Next Gen League in identifying and nurturing young football talent. The former India international had also inaugurated the league's first edition in 2023.
The launch coincided with AIFF Grassroots Day and Olympic Day, highlighting the values of participation, inclusion, development and sportsmanship.
Addressing the gathering, The King's School founder-president Melvin Pereira and vice-president and CEO Ligia Pereira encouraged participants to uphold the spirit of teamwork, fair play and continuous learning.
On the field, The King's School registered a win over Bethany Convent High School in the opening U17 Boys fixture. In the inaugural U15 Girls match, The King's School defeated Regina Martyrum High School, while Regina Martyrum High School later overcame Marina English High School in the U17 Boys category.
Despite rain in the morning, favourable weather conditions ensured the successful conduct of the opening day's matches, setting the stage for another season of youth football development across the State.
The league follows a development-focused format, with winning teams earning three points, losing teams receiving one point and drawn matches awarding two points to each side. Match scores are not published as the emphasis remains on player development and participation.
