Pearl Fernandes receives the ‘Emerging Hero’ award at Sportstar Sports Conclave 2024 Focus Goa.
Photo Credits: The Goan
PANAJI
Arambol has always been synonymous with tourism. But in the years ahead, the village can turn out to be popular for another reason.
Pearl Fernandes, a young rising star in women’s football, has been scorching pitches with her exceptional goal-scoring abilities. The ‘Emerging Hero’ Award bestowed on her at the Sportstar Sports Conclave 2024 Focus Goa recently is a testament to her stupendous achievements.
Pearl has been playing the beautiful game for the past 7 years, after having joined Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), Arambol at the tender age of 10.
The 15-year-old, who studies in Standard 9 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School, Arambol, is currently associated with Compassion FC and plays as a striker, a role that has fetched her numerous laurels.
She has represented several local clubs, including Churchill Brothers, scoring plenty of goals, including several hat-tricks across various tournaments.
Pearl has also competed in the Subroto Mukherjee tournament, DSYA tournament, and later also played at the tournaments organised by St Xavier’s High School, Moira and Sacred Heart High School, Anjuna.
During a match for Compassion FC, Pearl displayed her prowess, netting 14 goals single-handedly in a 24-0 victory.
Pearl has represented Goa on two occasions for the U-14 and U-17 teams.
She was also declared the Best Player of the Year 2023 by Goa Football Association (GFA).
The budding footballer is a promising prospect for the big leagues as her exploits have also caught the attention of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Pearl has trained rigorously under the watchful eyes of current coach Anunciasao Rodrigues (Ansu), who holds a ‘D’ License in coaching. The other coaches at the GFDC centre are Dietmar Fernandes and Jason Fernandes. While the centre head at GFDC Arambol is Jeronimo Fernandes.
“Over the last few years, Pearl has transformed really well. She is a brilliant player with amazing ball control. She has a bright future,” stated Ansu who believes Pearl holds promise in the future.
Speaking about the recent award, Pearl expressed delight and said that her ambition is to represent the country. "I have been performing well. I want to continue this. I hope to contribute to women's football and make Goa and the country proud," she said.
