Team Herald
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PANJIM: The Next Gen League 2.0 came to an exciting conclusion for the U-12 Diamond and Sapphire Football Leagues and the U-10 Diamond Futsal League, with a lively End of Season festival followed by an awards ceremony hosted at The King’s School, Sao Jose de Areal, recently.
The mixed boys and girls format in these categories continues to underscore the league’s inclusive philosophy, aligned with the All India Football Federation Blue Cubs developmental model. Prioritising growth, enjoyment and game intelligence, the leagues gave young footballers a structured, development-focused platform to gain valuable match experience.
In the U-12 Diamond football category, Rosary High School, Navelim, emerged champions, with The King’s School ‘Blue’ finishing as runners-up. Marina English High School, Verna, was named the Most Improved Team.
Individual accolades went to Angelo Silva (St Anne’s Institute, Agonda) as Coach of the Season, Alvish Pereira (Marina English High School) as Goalkeeper of the Season, Ajaan Salmani (Rosary High School) as Rising Star and Elmer Fernandes (The King’s School ‘Blue’) as Player of the Season.
In the U-12 Sapphire Football League, Loyola High School, Margao, claimed the championship, while Immaculate Conception High School, Paroda, secured the runners-up spot.
The King’s School ‘Red’ was recognised as the Most Improved Team. The season’s top performers included Chalton Furtado (Auxilium High School, Benaulim) as Coach of the Season, Annjus Fernandes (Loyola High School) as Goalkeeper of the Season, Zarion Pereira (The King’s School ‘Red’) as Rising Star, and Nathan Afonso (Loyola High School) as Player of the Season.
In the U-10 Diamond Futsal League, Loyola High School, Margao, once again clinch the trophy, with The King’s School ‘Red’ taking the runners-up position. Regina Martyrum High School, Assolna, earned the Most Improved Team award. Individual honours were awarded to Santano Furtado (The King’s School ‘Red’) as Coach of the Season, Aston Pereira (The King’s School ‘Red’) as Goalkeeper of the Season, Ashlan Barreto (Loyola High School) as Rising Star, and Fraeli Rodrigues (Auxilium High School, Benaulim) as Player of the Season.
This season’s success is owed to the visionary leadership of Sports Director Christian Roldan, TKSA Founder-President Melvin Pereira, and CEO-Vice President Ligia Pereira, whose dedication continues to transform the grassroots football and futsal landscape in the State.
These awards celebrate not only the sporting accomplishments on the field but also the learning, commitment, and team spirit displayed throughout the season. The Next Gen League continues to lead the way in grassroots sports development by offering young athletes a stage to grow, thrive, and develop a lifelong love for the game.