PANJIM: The Goan football might have taken a slump in recent times, however, notwithstanding all the factors, the Goa Football Association (GFA) took a massive step in promoting women empowerment in the field of football with the introduction of the Women’s Football League in the recent times.
“Women’s football also requires to be given a boost. It’s been too long that we ignored them. We have lot many good players at the college level. However, they don’t get much opportunity as they usually play knock-out football. This is a good platform for the young and upcoming players to showcase their talent,” said Goa Football Association President Elvis Gomes.
“It doesn’t end in one match. They have not been playing in leagues and they know what it is to play here. All of them are very excited. Plus we have 30 players that are regularly undergoing training for the senior team. Juliet Miranda has been coaching the team,” explained Elvis.
Earlier, GFA had organised the Canara Bank Women’s league, which was a six team league and a knock out basis tournament for college teams. The State association also managed to hold a four team GFA Women’s football Festival in the 2015-16 season.
A bigger and better platform!
However, Gomes stated that the Women’s Football League will be a better platform for the players wherein they would get the opportunity to play more matches and an intensifying football.
The GFA office witnessed a mad rush on Friday morning wherein they received around 100 applications from the female players to register themselves for the draft which will take place on Monday.
“This year there won’t be any bidding process, it will be held on draw of lots. Next year we will have a proper draft system,” explained Elvis.
Having it for the first time, the women’s league which will commence from November 18, supported by Sesa Football Academy and Vedanta group, will feature six teams and will play 20 matches over the period of the league.
“We will start with Duler stadium where the inaugural match will be played on floodlights. Two matches will be played at Sirsaim ground on request from our sponsors.” revealed Gomes.
Gomes revealed that they have set a modus of minimum of Rs 700 per match for the players, however, clubs are free to pay them more.
A task which wasn’t easy to chalk
GFA has been running various leagues for the men and boys in the State and it is not an easy task as finding sponsors alone has been a major roadblock.
“We wanted this league to happen. We had approached many people. SESA had decided to do something for women empowerment and we fitted their things as they are already in football. Their management was pleased to support.” said Elvis revealing how difficult it was to get the league started.
It has been learnt that Sporting Clube de Goa and Panjim Footballers are the only two teams from the Goa Pro-League who supported GFA in their plan to set the ball rolling. Surprisingly two first division teams —Goa Velha SC and Cuncolim Union have also joined the two along with Albert Developers. The sixth team is yet to be confirmed.
A plan for sustainability
This isn’t the first time GFA started something for the opposite gender, but this time around they have planned to have it for the next three years for sure.
“We have given them (SESA) for three years. They have to support the league for minimum of three years,” said Elvis.
“We expect the league to grow. The sponsors have put in their effort to market the league well,” he added.
With a plan for the next three years, Gomes revealed that the league will bring out the best talent irrespective of clubs and GFA’s initiative and said, “We want the league to run on its own steam.”
It has been learnt that the present clubs will be given tenure of two seasons, wherein next season another two more teams will be accommodated.
“We are thinking of introducing relegation from the third year that will help the league to make it more intense. Let’s hope for the best,” concluded Gomes.
This is a great initiative by GFA which is equally supported by Sesa Vedanta group and truly a platform for women to break the odds and set the ball rolling.
