Goa's Female Football Revival: SFA's Historic IWL Qualification

Sesa Football Academy's Senior Women's Team has made history by qualifying for the Indian Women's League, marking Goa's return to the national stage. As part of Vedanta Sesa Goa's CSR initiative, the team embodies grassroots empowerment, driving the revival of women's football in Goa.

Sesa Football Academy's (SFA) Senior Women's Team has achieved a groundbreaking feat by qualifying for the Indian Women's League (IWL) for the first time. This marks Goa's re-entry onto the national scene after a three-year absence. The team is slated to compete in the 9th IWL, taking place in West Bengal from December 20, 2025, to January 6, 2026. This historic qualification symbolizes not just an athletic achievement, but a potent return of Goa's pride on a national platform.

SFA has become only the fifth Goan team to earn this honor, doing so as part of Vedanta Sesa Goa's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative rather than as a standalone club. This achievement underscores Vedanta's commitment to nurturing grassroots sports through its strategic CSR initiatives. Former SFA Coach and Dronacharya Awardee Armando Colaco referred to this development as 'the revival of women's football in Goa, a Goan sunrise,' crediting SFA with reconstructing the sport's ecosystem and inspiring a new wave of female footballers.

Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, extended his congratulations to the team, underscoring the momentous nature of their qualification. He stated, 'Heartiest congratulations to the SFA Senior Women's Team for their maiden qualification for the IWL. This historic feat reflects the academy's unwavering commitment to developing women's football and empowerment at the grassroots level.' Players like Pearl Fernandes, who starred in India's SAFF U-17 Championship win, and Aaroshi Govekar, who made her debut for India, exemplify the academy's successful player development strategy.

(With inputs from agencies.)