Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: As Goa marks its 39th Statehood Day, the occasion serves as a proud celebration of the state’s vibrant sporting heritage—one that continues to thrive, thanks to the efforts of the Sesa Football Academy (SFA), a flagship CSR initiative by Vedanta Sesa Goa. Established in 1998, the SFA has played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent from Goa, especially from rural and mining communities, transforming aspiring youth into accomplished sportspersons.
Several of India’s footballing stars—such as Denzil Franco, Adil Khan, Pratesh Shirodkar, Glan Martins, Micky Fernandes, Bruno Colaco, Jovel Martins, Godwin Franco, Augustin Fernandes, Rowilson Rodrigues, and Gabriel Fernandes—are proud alumni of the Academy. Not only have they carved out successful domestic careers, but many have also donned the Indian jersey on international platforms, fulfilling SFA’s mission of #LetsFootballForIndia.
Beyond football, Vedanta Sesa Goa has supported athletes in other disciplines as well. Para-athlete Sakshi Kale, for instance, has received both financial and logistical support from the company. She recently clinched a silver medal at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix (WPAGP) 2025 in Delhi and is currently representing India at the WPAGP in Paris.
Reflecting on the Academy’s impact, Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO of Sesa Goa, said, “Goa has a rich sporting tradition, and we at Vedanta Sesa Goa are proud to have contributed to it. Through SFA and our wider support to aspiring athletes, we are committed to #TransformingSports and enabling youth, including women, to pursue their dreams.”
The Academy’s influence is equally significant in the development of women’s football. As the official sponsor of the Vedanta Women’s League (VWL)—organized in partnership with the Goa Football Association (GFA)—Sesa Goa has provided a consistent platform for over 1,400 aspiring women footballers across eight seasons. Players like Karishma Shirvoikar, Michel Castanha, and Pearl Fernandes have emerged from this league to represent India on the global stage.
Dr. Caitano Fernandes, President of the GFA, praised the Academy’s efforts, saying, “Sesa Football Academy has made a remarkable contribution to football in Goa. Through their partnership with the GFA, the Vedanta Women’s League has empowered hundreds of women athletes to showcase and develop their talent.”
Ms. Leena Verenkar, Head of CSR at Sesa Goa, added, “On Goa Statehood Day, we celebrate SFA’s 25-year journey in transforming Goan football. With our dedicated women’s team now competing strongly at state and national levels, we remain focused on #TransformingCommunities through sports.”
SFA’s residential campus at Sirsaim continues to be a beacon for youth development, having trained over 230 footballers through its structured programs. In addition to SFA, the Sesa Community Development Fund (SCDF) also runs the Sesa Technical School, which has provided industry-ready skills to over 2,000 individuals, contributing meaningfully to Goa’s socio-economic development.
As Goa celebrates its sporting icons and achievements, initiatives like the Sesa Football Academy highlight the power of sustained community engagement and investment in youth to build a stronger, sportier future for the state.
