FC Goa Grassroot Festival kicks off

Goa 22February 2015: FC Goa today launched its Youth Football Programme today at a well-attended Grassroots Football Festival at the SAG complex at Bambolim in Goa. The Club also took this occasion to introduce its Grassroots Coach, Gavin Araujo; an AFC A license Coach. Gavin has been an excellent footballer and has captained Goa at the U-16, U-19 and U-21 age groups with a long playing stint at Vasco SC.
Arjuna Awardees and FC Goa’s well wishers BrahmanandSancoalkar and Bruno Coutinho also graced the Festival.
The Festival saw 800 budding children participate from 16 schools spread all across Goa. The select age group were from 6 years to 12 years. FC Goa’s initiativewill strengthen the Football Programme of these 16 Schools while nurturing the budding talents of Goa.
The objective of this festival is to introduce children to the game of football in a friendly playing environment, where they are encouraged to experience football and begin loving the sport while developing their inherent talent. The festival has been planned not to be competitive in nature for the children, with no winners being announced. The children were taken through various fun drills and games so that they get comfortable with the ball at their feet.
The children demonstated their skills under the watchful eyes of Gavin and 4 of his assistant coaches and 8 Grassroots coaches, besides 16 PE teachers from the respective schools who also assisted in this induction programme.
FC Goa youth programme coaches organized a well laid out ground plan and SAGsupported the event by providing excellent facilities for participants and viewers alike.
The FC Goa Youth Programme will be conducted twice a week for each participant under expert guidance and in course of time, a select group of shortlisted trainees will be able to choose football as a rewarding professional carreer.
Mr.ShrinivasDempo, Chairman and Managing Director of Dempo Group of Companies, said “Football is the sport of Goa and supporting it is second nature to all of us. This grassroots initiative has been born with the intent to give birth to rising stars in Goa and we are certain that we will; with the combination of the interest in the sport, incredible talent and an amazing team we have put in place to harness it.”
Added Mr.Dattaraj V. Salgaocar, Managing Director of V M Salgaocar and Company, “Developing the game of football is paramount to the continued success of FC Goa and we are committed to seeing it through. We have been working on extensive plans on setting up a World Class Youth Development programme; with the aim to having a majority of our players in the club coming through our Youth System. These are exciting times for FC Goa and its bright future. Forca Goa!”
Maharashtra State Mens Football League / WIFA
Magic Made Soccer clinches Maharashtra State Mens Football League Title: An Unbeaten Run to Glory
Magic Made Soccer, powered by Mumbay Football Club, have claimed the Maharashtra State Mens Football League title with a game to spare The team delivered a string of commanding performances…
Coach Education / Feature / Recommended
AIFF conducts inaugural D Certificate course for deaf coaches in Navi Mumbai
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) successfully concluded its first-ever D Certificate Coaching Course for deaf candidates on Sunday, June 7, 2025, at the Reliance Foundation Young Champs facilities in…
Mumbai City sign Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung ahead of 2025-2026 campaign
Mumbai City are pleased to confirm the signing of Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung from Sreenidi Deccan FC. The central midfielder has signed a 3-year contract with the Islanders, keeping him at the…
Maharashtra State Mens Football League / WIFA
MSMFL enters Penultimate round with Magic Made Soccer just one win away from title.
The Maharashtra Senior Men’s Football League (MSMFL) Phase 2 is nearing its close, with Magic Made Soccer now just one win away from clinching the coveted title.
Have a Ball – PUMA unveils the new official Premier League match Ball
Global sports company PUMA unveils the official match ball for the Premier League, which is set to grace pitches, parks, and gardens worldwide for players and fans alike ahead of…
TECNO reaffirms its commitment to youth development and sports empowerment by extending its CSR partnership with the Indian Football Foundation (IFF)
TECNO, a global mobile brand renowned for its innovation and commitment, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and sports empowerment by extending its CSR partnership with the Indian Football Foundation…
Punjab FC extend Head Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis’ contract
Punjab FC have announced the contract extension of Head Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis until 2027. The extension comes on the back of a season marked by strong developmental progress and key…
Last-minute penalty breaks Indian hearts in Hong Kong
A heartbreaking stoppage time penalty condemned India to a 0-1 defeat against Hong Kong, China, in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round at…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…