PANJIM: Pearl Fernandes, the standout teenage footballer for Compassion FC, has earned a spot in the Indian National Women’s Under-16 team set to compete in the SAFF Cup in Nepal, commencing on March 1.
Hailing from Arambol, Pearl has been an integral part of Compassion FC for the past two seasons, distinguishing herself not only as a star player for the NGO’s girls’ team in Goa but also making a name in the national women’s football scene. Her remarkable contributions extend across junior and senior categories and she has now earned her place in the national squad.
Originating from the GFDC, Arambol centre, under the guidance of Coach Ansu and her father, Peter (a former player), Pearl swiftly progressed and was nurtured by Compassion FC. Over the last two years with the team, she has scored over 100 goals at the local, State and national levels.
In the Junior Girls’ Tier 2 National Football Championship 2023-24, held in Jodhpur and Jaipur, Pearl displayed her skills, finishing as the joint top scorer with 12 goals in 5 matches, contributing to Goa’s title win after 22 years. Following this success, she was selected for the 28th Senior Women’s National Football Championship 2023-24 in Odisha, where, as the youngest team member, she led Goa’s charge and secured the top scorer position with 6 goals in 4 matches.
Continuing her goal-scoring prowess, Pearl accumulated an outstanding tally of 24 goals in 10 matches during the 7th Goa FA’s Vedanta Women’s League 2023-24, narrowly missing the golden boot award by 2 goals.
Participating in the 3rd All-India Inter Academy Girls Under-17 Inspire Cup 2024 championship organised in collaboration with Fundacion La Liga by the Anantpur Sports Academy in Andhra Pradesh, Pearl, alongside teammate Fatima Braganza, showcased her skills, claiming the top scorer title with 16 goals in 5 matches. Despite finishing as runners-up, they demonstrated their mettle against tough competitors.
