Team Herald
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PANJIM: Sesa Football Academy (SFA) concluded the AIFF ‘D’ Licence course at Sirsaim campus, recently.
The six-day intensive programme was carefully designed to equip aspiring coaches with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to identify, nurture and guide budding football talent at the grassroots level.
The course saw the active participation of 24 candidates, including five female coaches and three outstation coaches, reflecting inclusivity and national reach of the initiative.
Over the six days, participants underwent a rigorous schedule of structured training each day, combining classroom-based theoretical learning with on-field practical sessions. This was followed by stringent evaluation comprising practical examinations and theory assessment, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of grassroots coaching standards.
Conducted under the guidance of Gavin Araujo, technical director at the SFA and a certified AFC Pro Licence Coach, the course focused on imparting age-appropriate coaching methodologies, technical and tactical basics, and leadership qualities essential for shaping young players. The emphasis was on developing not only coaching competence but also instilling the values of discipline, teamwork and player-centric learning.
Sharing experience on the course, Aditya Salgaonkar said, “The AIFF D-Licence course hosted and conducted by Sesa Football Academy was an enriching experience, with a balance of theoretical and practical aspects. It has provided me a better understanding of football from a coach’s perspective. The structured approach, attention to detail and the mentorship received has made me more confident of my abilities in terms of guiding young players.”
Reflecting on the successful completion of the course, Gavin said, “The AIFF ‘D’ Licence is a vital stepping stone in the journey of any coach. We are thankful to Goa Football Association for the opportunity to run the course. It helps in laying the foundation for structured football coaching and creates a strong base of trained professional coaches.”
This initiative comes close on the heels of the AIFF ‘B’ Licence course recently conducted at SFA’s campus, further establishing its credentials as a bustling hub of footballing excellence. By facilitating both entry-level and advanced courses, SFA is contributing to the creation of a robust coaching ecosystem in the country.
