150 teams, 1600 players to participate in Little Gaurs League 2024-25

The Forca Goa Foundation announced the Little Gaurs League for the 2024-25 season on Tuesday.

The mixed-gender league will see children competing in the U6, U8, U10, and U12 age groups, with an exclusive U13 girls' category. Over 150 teams will participate, including over 290 girls.

"This initiative emphasises the pivotal role every player, coach, referee, and community member plays in shaping the future of football in Goa," the foundation said.

The league will kick off on November 23 in four zones across Goa - Monte de Guirim, Sinquetim, Tuem and Vasco and run for five months, culminating in the LGL Super Cup in April 2025.

The league, one of India's biggest grassroots football leagues, engages over 1,600 young players and promotes the development of football talent at an early age.

The Forca Goa Foundation announced the new edition of the league under the campaign - "Be a Game Changer".

"The campaign celebrates coaches who inspire, referees who uphold the integrity of the game, and the community whose unwavering support powers the league," a press release read.

"Focus is on long-term competition to enhance game-time, decision-making, and overall football skills among players," the release added further.

A recent survey of parents of LGL participants revealed impressive results, with 92 per cent reporting improved physical fitness, 86 per cent noting enhanced teamwork and 90 per cent observing increased motivation. These figures underscore the league's impact on the holistic development of young players.

Coach Riddhish from GFDC Navelim underlined the mutual growth between players and coaches, calling LGL an "excellent platform" for development. Coach Khatri from Compassion FC echoed this, praising the league's ability to provide ample match-time, crucial for player improvement.

Nathaniel da Costa, head of Grassroots Football from the Forca Goa Foundation, said, "Football is more than just a game; it’s a community effort. With 'Be a Game Changer,' we aim to highlight how every individual can make a lasting impact on the sport's future."