Candolim’s young footballers had plenty to cheer about on Wednesday, as the Candolim Panchayat Football Academy (FA), in collaboration with Super30 Soccer Schools, handed out 140 official jerseys at a lively ceremony held at the Dr Gustavo Monteiro Ground.
The event marked another step forward in the academy’s mission to nurture grassroots football in the village. The fully sponsored programme allows boys and girls aged 5 to 18 to receive structured coaching completely free of cost, thanks to the strong backing of the Candolim Village Panchayat, led by Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes and the supporting panch members.
Founded six years ago by Ricardo Cardozo, the vision behind Super30 Soccer Schools was simple yet ambitious: bring professional football training to local children and give them a pathway to grow in the sport. Over the years, the partnership between Candolim Panchayat FA and Super30 has grown into one of North Goa’s most respected youth development projects, training over 700 children, several of whom have gone on to state teams, elite academies, professional clubs, and even the Indian national setup.
During the jersey distribution, young players and their proud parents cheered as each child received their kit for the season. Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes addressed the gathering, praising the dedication of the coaches and reaffirming the Panchayat’s commitment to supporting sports and youth development in Candolim. Representatives from Super30 Soccer Schools also expressed gratitude to the Panchayat, emphasizing the importance of a long-term vision for nurturing local talent.
The ceremony ended on a joyful note with team photographs, lively interactions with the players, and motivational messages from the coaching staff, reinforcing the shared goal: to provide every young footballer in Candolim the chance to chase their dreams on the field.
