PANAJI
The second edition of the KOFS Cup 2.0, organised by Kick Off Football Schools (KOFS), concluded successfully at the Sunshine School Ground, Old Goa, witnessing enthusiastic participation from young footballers across Goa. The grassroots-level tournament aimed at nurturing and promoting young footballing talent featured competitive matches across four age categories ” U8, U10, U12 and U15.
The finals and prize distribution ceremony were held in the presence of Chief Guest Rajesh Faldessai, MLA of Cumbarjua Constituency. India international footballer Laxmikant Kattimani graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Renowned coach Mario Aguiar, who served as the goalkeeping coach of the India U-17 team during the FIFA U-17 World Cup, was specially invited for the event. Kedar Nerurkar, Senior Director “ Production, Deccan Fine Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd., attended as the Silver Sponsor Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Mario Aguiar congratulated Kick Off Football Schools for organising a well-structured and competitive grassroots tournament and lauded the efforts taken to provide young players with the right platform to showcase their talent. He also congratulated all the winning teams and appreciated the overall standard of play, stating that such initiatives play a crucial role in the development of football at the grassroots level in Goa.
Kick Off Football Schools’ coaching setup is headed by Coach Jonas Fernandes, who, along with his team of coaches, has been instrumental in shaping young footballers through structured grassroots training programmes across the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Andrea Fernandes, Founder of Kick Off Football Schools, said that KOFS Cup 2.0 was not just about winning trophies but about learning, discipline, teamwork, and love for the game. She thanked the coaches, parents, sponsors, officials, and volunteers for their constant support in making the tournament a success.
U-8 Category: Winners: FC Goa FS; Runners-up: Ace Soccer Academy; Top Goalscorer: Aariv Bhatia (FC Goa FS) “ 7 goals; Best Player: Kion (Ace); Best Defender: Vishal (FC Goa FS)
U-10 Category: Winners: FC Goa FS; Runners-up: Salgaocar; Top Goalscorer: Fayaz Mohammad (St Britto’s) “ 6 goals; Best Player: Kayden (Salgaocar); Best Goalkeeper: Noah Sinha (FC Goa FS)
U-12 Category: Winners: Salgaocar; Runners-up: Rising Star; Top Goalscorer: Ruban Salgaocar “ 4 goals; Best Player: Priyanshu (Salgaocar); Best Goalkeeper: Dwayne (Rising Star)
U-15 Category: Winners: The Sports Hustle Goa; Runners-up: Vintage 73; Top Goalscorer: Anson (The Sports Hustle Goa) “ 5 goals; Best Player: Yash (Vintage 73); Best Goalkeeper: Swayam (The Sports Hustle Goa)
