Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Goa is striving to develop the game of football across the state and enhance its reputation in the country.

To achieve this, the club has decided to start with youngsters. As a result, a one of a kind FC Goa Junior Gaur U-10 League kicked off at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on December 2. The event will be played in the league plus knockout format across eight venues in Goa with more than 800 players. 64 schools in Goa are part of this tournament which will see over 200 matches being played.

Eight teams competed in the first round of matches at Fatorda on December 2. The energy and spirit shown by the juniors was commendable. The second round of matches was held on December 13 at the Pilar Central School Ground, Pilar. Eight more teams competed for a chance to progress to the next round. Out of the four matches played in Pilar, only one match ended all square with neither Sunshine School nor Sharda Mandir managing to net a goal. St Andrew’s School were the biggest victors on the day after they put three goals past the Jesus and Mary school goalkeeper. Fr Agnel school, Pilar managed to pick up a 1-0 victory over Santo Minguel school in what was a highly competitive encounter. Lastly, Auxilium High School also grabbed a frenetic 2-1 win over Fairy Land school in the last match of the day.

FC Goa, as part of its grassroots programme is hoping to inspire many children to take up football as a career while also doing their best to promote the sport and unearth young talent.

(FC Goa Press Release)