PANJIM: The Goa Football Association launched the GENO-First Division League in association with Johncy Restaurant, which will kick off from January 26, at Sporting Clube hall, Panjim, on Saturday.
Around 100 matches will be played in the League beginning with a clash between Associacao Academica De Moira and Holy Cross Sports Club, Arambol at Sirsaim ground.
The fourteen teams include Associacao Academica De Moira, Curtorim Gymkhana, Salgaocar Football Club (Jrs.), St Savio Sports Club, Calangute, Youth Club of Manora, Velsao Sports & Cultural Club, Cuncolim Union, Goa-Velha Sports Club, Dempo Sports Club (Jrs), United Club of Telaulim, Clube Sao Minguel de Taleigao, Sesa Football Academy, Goa Police Sports Club and Holy Cross Sports Club, Arambol.
Speaking on the occasion GFA President Elvis Gomes said the association was very happy that Geno Pharmaceuticals have come forward to be part of GFA’s efforts along with associate sponsor Jonhcy Restaurant to strengthen the league system which requires such corporate hand holding.
“Geno has been supporting any sports in a big way and are open to promotion of sports. We have always launched the Goa Professional League but this is the first time that we are having a launch of 1st Division League”, he said.
Elvis informed that the association has been organising nine leagues which include U14, U16, U18, U20, Third Division, Second Division, First Division, Goa Professional League and the women’s league having almost 1000 matches.
“Women’s league, organised after a span of 20 to 25 years, was a great success. We had expected registration of 90 players but to our surprise 157 GFA registered players turned up for the league that is how the association realised that there are a lot of women players playing football. Forty out of which were strong, talented, gruelling players”, he said.
Elvis disclosed that the association has made a letter to the government demanding for grant of Rs 2 lakh each to 200 affiliated clubs registered with the GFA as a support to participate in the leagues and also all the grounds across the State should be made freely available to the association for public interest.
Geno Pharmaceuticals Dilip Salgaocar said development of young players is very important and this is a small effort by Geno to take them to big heights.
Ariston Severes, the owner of Jonhcy Restaurant (Associate Sponsor) said, “It gives me immense pleasure to be associated with the league and Geno too. It’s my first time too and if things go well according to the plans we will definitely look for further partnership with GFA,”
Dr Sagar Salgaocar, Ariston Sevres of Johncy Restaurant, Benaulim and youth coach of Sesa Football Academy Edurado were also present on the dais.
