Sesa Football Academy Secures Second Position at the Goa Pro League 2024

 Vedanta’ flagship CSR initiative Sesa Football Academy Senior Men’s Football Team has secured the second spot in the Goa Pro League, the pre-eminent football league in Goa which was established since in 1996. In their final league match, Sesa Football Academy beat Young Boys of Tonca 8-0 in a commanding show of attacking football.

Competing with 13 teams during the league, the Sesa football academy points total stood at 48 which has further ensured qualification for the prestigious 2024-25 I-League 3. During the league, SFA has scored 55 goals. While Joshua D’Silva from Team SFA has been recognized as the top goal scorer in the tournament, with 24 goals to his name.

Mr. Annanya Agarwal, President, Vedanta Sports said, “Football in Goa has witnessed remarkable growth, thanks to the dedication and passion of the athletes at Sesa Football Academy. We sincerely believe that there is abundant talent in our country who can achieve great heights if nurtured in the right manner, not only nationally but on global platforms as well.” He also said:  We are committed to nurturing this spirit, empowering young talents to excel and contribute to India’s sporting legacy. Vedanta stands committed in its mission to foster holistic development through sports, ensuring a bright future for our athletes and the nation.”

Speaking on the Occasion Sesa Football Academy team coach Charles Dais said: “I would like to extend heartful congratulations to the players of Sesa Goa Academy team for showcasing determination, skill, and sportsmanship during the league. It is with your dedication and skill, we have managed to set a shining example for aspiring champions. I would also like to give my best wishes to the team for the upcoming 2024-25 I-league 3. Through Sesa Football Academy we would continue to support and encourage the dreams and aspirations of young athletes, who truly represent the future of sports in India.”

SFA aims to develop quality footballers from the state of Goa and across the country by creating environment for discovering, nurturing, and building talent for Indian Football. The academy identifies and trains talented youngsters, who are passionate about Football at the grassroot level by inducting them into its residential programme and over a period of four years, nurtures and develops them into professional footballers and well-disciplined citizens while taking care of their academic education throughout the residential training programme.

Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO, Sesa Goa, Vedanta Limited on the occasion said, “Our commitment at Vedanta’s Sesa Football Academy is to empower dreams and cultivate not just players, but ambassadors of our nation and its footballing pride.  Heartening to see that our football academy’s training and guidance is shaping the futures of young talents and propelling their aspirations. Congratulations to the players, coaches and staff for the outstanding performance! Keep shining!”

SFA has groomed over 250 footballers since its inception in 1999 and has made tremendous impact on the football fraternity across the country. Most of the academy alumni have represented the National team, I-League clubs, and prestigious football clubs across the nation. 9 players have earned the National team cap and many alumni have played the elite Indian Super League (ISL)

Apart from Residential football training programmes through Sesa Football Academy, Vedanta has also launched Vedanta women’s league (VWL) in collaboration with GFA, which is one of its kind platforms for aspiring women footballers across Goa state. 430+ Women footballers from across Goa have participated in the last 7 VWL editions.