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Goa's Football Sunrise: How Sesa Academy's Women Made IWL History

A new chapter begins for Goan football as the Sesa Football Academy's Senior Women's Team secures its first-ever spot in the Indian Women's League. This historic qualification ends a three-year absence for Goa on the national women's football stage. The academy's success is powered by Vedanta's corporate social responsibility initiatives and a rapid rise through the ranks. With players like Pearl Fernandes and Aaroshi Govekar, SFA is reigniting the state's football legacy and empowering a new generation.

Key Points: Sesa Football Academy Women Qualify for Indian Women's League 2025

  • SFA is the fifth Goan team to qualify for the IWL, marking a historic first for the academy
  • The team qualified by winning the Vedanta Women's League after rising from third place
  • This achievement is a CSR initiative of Vedanta Sesa Goa, not a standalone club
  • The team will compete in West Bengal from December 20, 2025, to January 6, 2026
2 min read

Sesa Football Academy Women's team qualifies for 9th Indian Women's League 2025

Sesa Football Academy's Senior Women's Team makes history, qualifying for the 9th Indian Women's League and reinstating Goa's national presence after three years.

"the revival of women's football in Goa, a Goan sunrise - Armando Colaco, Dronacharya Awardee"

New Delhi, December 10

A new dawn shines on Goan football as Sesa Football Academy's (SFA) Senior Women's Team makes history by earning its first-ever qualification to the Indian Women's League (IWL), reinstating Goa's presence on the national stage after a three-year hiatus.

The team will now compete among India's elite at the 9th IWL, scheduled in West Bengal from December 20, 2025, to January 6, 2026, carrying the state's hopes with pride and purpose, according to an IWL release.

Marking a significant milestone, SFA becomes only the fifth team from Goa to qualify for the IWL and, uniquely, as a CSR initiative of Vedanta Sesa Goa rather than a standalone football club. This makes the achievement a powerful testament to Vedanta's sustained investment in grassroots sports through its flagship CSR initiatives.

Dronacharya Awardee and former SFA Coach, Armando Colaco, hailed the development as "the revival of women's football in Goa, a Goan sunrise," crediting SFA for rebuilding the ecosystem and inspiring a new generation of female footballers.

Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, congratulated the team, saying, "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."

SFA's consistent performance speaks for itself. In just two seasons, the team rose from third to the Vedanta Women's League (VWL) title, securing direct entry into IWL 2 and now advancing to the top division. Players like Pearl Fernandes, who starred in India's SAFF U-17 Championship win, and Aaroshi Govekar, who earned her India debut, are shining examples of the academy's player development strength.

Founded under Vedanta's Sesa Goa Iron Ore Business, SFA continues to serve as a beacon for women's football, combining technical excellence with social impact, reigniting Goa's football legacy and empowering young women to dream on a national scale.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
As a Goan, this fills me with so much pride! Our state has such a rich footballing culture, and it's great to see the women's game getting its due. Armando Colaco sir calling it a "Goan sunrise" is spot on. Best of luck in West Bengal!
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Rohit P
This is the kind of news we need more of. Grassroots development through CSR is a sustainable model. Vedanta Sesa Goa deserves credit for sticking with it. Hope other corporates take note and invest in women's sports across the country.
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Sarah B
Wonderful achievement! The progression from VWL to IWL in such a short time shows incredible dedication. Players like Pearl Fernandes are becoming real role models. Wishing the team all the very best for the tournament.
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Vikram M
While this is a great moment, I hope the IWL itself gets better promotion and viewership. The women's league needs more visibility and fan support to truly grow. The talent is clearly there, as SFA has shown.
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Kavya N
So proud of these girls! They are not just playing football, they are empowering a whole generation. Jai Ho! 🇮🇳 Can't wait to watch them play on the national stage. Goa's football legacy is in good hands.

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