PANJIM: FC Goa women’s team representing Forca Goa Foundation, were crowned champions of the Global Goals World Cup which was held at Fr. Agnel Multipurpose School and Junior College, in Mumbai.
Oscar Foundation from Mumbai and Forca Goa Foundation from Goa were the two finalists that played a brilliant match, but the team from Goa, which advocates 3 sustainable goals namely good health and well-being, gender equality and responsible consumption took the trophy home. Goa’s Velanie Fernandes emerged the top goal scorer of the tournament.
The FC Goa women’s team include Joyvi Fernandes, Sneha Fernandes, Yadnya Pawar, Simone Lalwani (captain) and Velanie Fernandes.
Twenty-four all-women teams competed in the football event which took place for the first time in India. The champions will now represent India in New York in September of this year to compete for the Global Goals activist trophy.
Speaking on Forca Goa Foundation’s win, Ishita Godinho, who manages the Community and Women’s development initiatives of the organisation stated, “It was great seeing so many people who are passionate about football come out to play to raise awareness about the sustainable goals. Winning this trophy is testament to all the effort put in not just by our players today, but all the children who are a part of our programmes, their parents, our coaches, volunteers and supporters. We recognise the power sport has to positively influence communities and create consciousness around the sustainable goals and when your efforts are acknowledged at a global platform, it feels special.”
The Global Goals World Cup is a sporting event hosted all over the globe that aims to create awareness and celebrate entities that champion UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as well as drive progress and change in their communities. Their motto being – ‘Soccer skills maybe optional but passion for sustainable development is mandatory.’
This initiative is hosted in partnership with the UNDP, EIR Soccer and Sustainable Mindz to support the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Points were awarded on basis of 4 criteria’s – most original team style, best action for global goals, most support drawn from the crowds and most goals scored. Before the action began on the pitch, each team presented their contribution towards attaining specific sustainable goals.
