PANAJI
Sesa Football Academy (SFA), in partnership with the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), inaugurated the Sesa–GFDC U-12 Girls’ Football Tournament at Mayem Ground.
The tournament, which commenced recently, is meant to provide a platform for young girls with aspirations to take up the sport and has witnessed participation from over 300 young girls representing teams across North and South Goa. The tournament stands as one of the largest structured grassroots platforms dedicated to girls’ football in Goa.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Premendra Shet, MLA for Maem Constituency, Guest of Honour Glenn Ticlo, Chairman, GFDC, Fransquinha Oliveira, Member Secretary, GFDC, Kunda Vishnu Mandrekar, ZP Member, Vishant Pednekar, Sarpanch, V.P Maem, Seema Sanjay Arondekar, Panch Member, V.P Maem, Nitin Gaddi, Council Member, GFDC, and Vedanta Sesa Goa executives.
The teams were divided into four zones. Teams representing Zone 1 from the Northern Zone include Arambol, Pernem, Mandrem, Tuem, Aldona, Poira. Zone 2 from North is composed of Mayem, Sanquelim, Zarme, Valpoi, Savoiverem, Dona Paula, Zone 3 from South included Dabal, Cortalim, Sao Jose De Areal, Navelim, Seraulim while teams representing Zone 4 from South included Quepem, Uguem, Ambelim, Devabhag.
Glenn Ticlo, Chairman, GFDC, remarked, “The Goa Football Development Council remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening football at the grassroots level. Our collaboration with Sesa Football Academy reflects a shared vision of expanding opportunities for young girls and institutionalizing pathways for talent development. We deeply appreciate Vedanta Sesa Goa’s sustained contribution towards nurturing the football ecosystem in the State.” He further asserted that to there is a need for all stakeholders to work together to raise the level of the game in the State & to ensure that the players get the quality training and playing opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of Vedanta Sesa Goa, Leena Verenkar, Head – CSR & SCDF, said, “At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we believe that sport serves as a powerful enabler of social progress and individual transformation. Through Sesa Football Academy, we are committed to creating inclusive and structured opportunities that empower young girls to realize their full potential. The Sesa–GFDC U-12 Tournament not only provides competitive exposure but also fosters fitness and good health, which aims to further strengthen women’s football in Goa.”
