Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM : The Goa Football Association (GFA) will observe March 8 as GFA Women’s Football Day as part of the International Women’s Day with celebrations at four venues – Duler Stadium in Mapusa; Navelim church ground; Rosary High School, Dona Paula and Chicalim – involving girls and women to celebrate womanhood, the day being dedicated for the promotion and development of women’s football.
Girls and women will take to the football pitch to mark the annual day under the banner of GFA’s Women’s Committee. “The number of girls taking part in the Vedanta Women’s League, which has been revitalised this year, has gone up with the number of girls taking up football growing. We have understood the huge growth potential women’s football has in the State and as such we have had talks with the Vedanta authorities on making the next year’s league more attractive and competitive, running on a double-leg system for nearly three months,” stated Carol Gomes, chairperson of the GFA Women’s Committee.
“Women and girls are an important part of the future success of football in Goa. Fulfilling Goa’s potential is possible only if it includes everyone – women, men, boys and girls. The rebranded Vedanta League next season is expected to give new impetus to women in football in the State with some of the affiliated clubs showing interest in raising the standard even as it calls for big financial implications for sustaining the quality. The GFA has lot of work to be undertaken in lifting the level across the clubs,” remarked Carol. But is the clubs who will have to take the main responsibility, she added.
“We have seen encouraging developments around the state as there are regular competitions for girls at the school and college levels, with the number rising steadily. And with the introduction of a new format by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) it speaks well for the future of women’s game in Goa,” pointed out Arnold Costa, vice-chairman of Women’s Committee. “Women’s football has a special significance as Goa excelled in the past, even becoming National champions. We need to draw a plan and redouble our energies to regain that glory as we need more girls like Michel Castanha to don colours for India and make us proud,” remarked Arnold.
Following is the programme on GFA Women’s Football Day: At Duler stadium, Mapusa: Exhibition match between champs Panjim Footballers and runners-up FC Goa at 3 p.m. At Navelim church ground: Exhibition football match between Churchill Bros FC and Ambelim Sports Club at 4 p.m. At Rosary ground, Dona Paula: Under-10 inter-school 3-a-side contest; penalty shoot-out for women; under-14 girls and under-17 penalty shoot-out. At Chicalim: One-a-side tie-breaker for women; felicitation of the only women’s coach in Under-14; felicitation of the women workers at SAG grounds at Velsao and Cansaulim. A power-point presentation on women’s football is also likely to be conducted at Mary Immaculate Girls High School in Panjim. The programmes are being coordinated by Carol Gomes, Arnaldo Costa, Oswald D’Costa, Francisco Nunes. Those interested in being associated with the programmes and supporting the same have been asked to contact the GFA in Panjim.
