Team Herald
RAIA: Vedanta Sesa Goa’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Sesa Football Academy (SFA) partnered with All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Goa Football Association organised the AIFF ‘D’ Licence Course at its Sirsaim campus.
The five-day coaching programme marked a significant step in the professional development of aspiring football coaches, offering them the foundational skills and knowledge required to embark on their coaching careers.
The programme which was inaugurated by Leena Verenkar, head of CSR, Sesa Goa, structured to provide both theoretical and practical training, equipping participants with the skills and coaching nuances essential for launching careers in football coaching.
This year’s batch comprised 24 participants, from across India. The nominated trainer for the batch was Gavin Araujo, technical director, SFA and a certified AIFF Pro-Licence coach himself.
The ‘D’ Licence is the first step toward attaining coaching certification and is the introductory coaching certification offered by the AIFF. It is specifically designed to upskill coaches with the basic knowledge, skills and understanding required to coach young footballers, typically at the grassroots level.
Speaking on the occasion, Leena stated, “The AIFF ‘D’ Licence Course provides a strong foundation for those who aspire to contribute to the developing football in India and to conduct coaching in a structured manner. We at Sesa Football Academy are honoured to facilitate this programme and play a part in shaping the future of football coaching in India. We have previously also been associated with this initiative and this is in line with our objective of aiding and supporting grass roots football.”
Expressing his sentiments on the occasion, Gavin Araujo, technical director, SFA, said, “At Sesa Football Academy, we are committed to nurturing the future of Indian football by empowering aspiring coaches with the knowledge and skills they need to excel. Hosting the AIFF ‘D’ Licence Course is a testament to our dedication to fostering football talent at the grassroots level, and we are proud to support the participants as they take their first step towards becoming certified coaches.”
The course was open to participants from across India. It offered an invaluable opportunity for any individual with a passion for football to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to begin coaching, irrespective of their prior involvement in the sport. The sessions conducted will benefit Indian football through sharing of best practices and development of precise coaching skills.
By facilitating the AIFF ‘D’ Licence Course, Sesa Football Academy reaffirms its dedication to advancing football coaching standards across India. This initiative not only enabled participants with the tools to inspire the next generation of footballers but also strengthens the foundation of grassroots football in the country.

