Sesa Football Academy (SFA), in partnership with the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), has launched the Sesa–GFDC Under-12 Girls’ Football Tournament at Mayem Ground. The tournament, which commenced on 29th January 2026, 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 MLA Premendra Shet; Glenn Ticlo, Chairman, GFDC, Fransquinha Oliveira, Member Secretary of GFDC, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Premendra Shet stated: “The holistic development of our children necessitates a balanced emphasis on both academics and sports.
Physical activity plays a vital role in fostering discipline, resilience, leadership, and overall well-being among young learners. I commend Sesa Football Academy and the Goa Football Development Council for instituting a structured platform that enables young girls to pursue sporting excellence alongside their academic aspirations.”
The teams have been 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 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 and to ensure that the players get the quality training and playing opportunities. He also emphasised that with the support of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, and Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar; the game of football in Goa will see tremendous progress.
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 realise 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.”
Member Secretary, Fransquinha Oliveira said: “Grassroot football is the backbone of Goan football & such initiatives help us identify, nurture and shape young talent at an early age.” She also expressed her gratitude towards Vedanta Sesa Goa and all stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration.
Expressing pride in hosting the event, Vishant Pednekar, Sarpanch, V.P Mayem stated: “It is an honour for Maem to host an initiative of such scale and significance. We extend our sincere appreciation to Sesa Football Academy and the Goa Football Development Council for their efforts in promoting sports among young girls and for contributing meaningfully to community development through structured sporting engagement.”
