Panaji: Assuring the Assembly that football remains a priority sport for Goa, Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar on Friday said the government is working on a long-term, structured roadmap to strengthen infrastructure, player development and institutional coordination, while resolving long-pending operational issues of the Goa Football Development Corporation (GFDC).
Replying to a private members’ resolution moved by Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Tawadkar said he had taken charge only four months ago but had already issued directions to the department and coaches to address bottlenecks in fund utilisation and overall functioning.
“I have taken the suggestions seriously and am trying to understand the practical difficulties faced by GFDC. Taking all suggestions into account, we will take football forward,” he said.
The minister noted that while Goa enjoys better football infrastructure than many states, maintenance remains a major concern. He said this would now be addressed with the involvement of local panchayats and clubs. Citing heavy rainfall for nearly six months that renders natural grounds unplayable, Tawadkar said a proposal for artificial turfs had been submitted to the Chief Minister. He stressed the need for a 10–15 year vision to build infrastructure and nurture talent, and assured that pending dues to the Goa Football Association (GFA) would be cleared before March.
Tawadkar said structured promotion of football began in 2012 under former chief minister Manohar Parrikar. At present, 36 centres train around 2,300 players under 62 coaches. Through GFDC, kits and diet meals are provided, while professional leagues are supported via the Sports Authority of Goa. The department also runs coaching centres for under-14, under-17 and under-19 categories, with Goa participating in the Santosh Trophy and hosting national and international matches.
Members cutting across party lines, however, flagged concerns. AAP MLA Venzy Veigas called for stronger infrastructure and global partnerships to groom international-level players. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said claims of being a football capital rang hollow due to poor grassroots outreach, unusable grounds and high stadium rentals, seeking artificial turfs in both districts, reduced charges for Goan clubs and the appointment of a technical director.
Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye highlighted the poor condition of the local ground, while Antone Vaz sought greater financial support for school-level football. AAP MLA Cruz Silva pointed to the lack of playing space in Ambelim, and Nilesh Cabral said GFDC had drifted from its original mandate. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao attributed the decline to friction between GFA and GFDC, urging government intervention and warning that uncertainty was driving players away from the sport.
