About us

A registered society for the development of football in Goa

Goa Football Development Council banner — Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign artwork, alongside the Government of Goa emblem and the GFDC logo.

The Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) is a registered society of the Government of Goa, created to work for the development of the game of football in the State of Goa. It supplements and complements the work of the Goa Football Association (GFA), the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA.

Historical Background

On 26th March 2012, the Chief Minister announced that football would be the official sport of the State of Goa, and that a Goa Football Development Council would be set up to work for the development of football. Dr. Rufino Monteiro, a well-known cardiologist with a deep passion for football, was appointed as the founding Chairman.

The Council was formally inaugurated on 29th July 2012 at Myles High Corporate Hub, 6th Floor, Patto, Panjim, Goa. The GFDC today operates from the Bambolim Athletic Stadium, Kujra Velem Bhat, Goa 403202.

Purpose

The GFDC functions as a registered society of the Government of Goa constituted to work for the all-round development of football in the State. It coordinates with national and international football bodies and with State Government departments, local self-government institutions and other agencies that promote the game.

Aims and Objectives

The Council pursues the following fourteen aims and objectives:

  1. To advise the Government on all matters concerning the sport of football.
  2. To coordinate and harmoniously complement the activities of the AIFF, the GFA, the SAG, local governing bodies such as municipalities, Zilla Parishads and Panchayats, organisations promoting football and other Government authorities and Departments.
  3. To recommend to the Government release of financial and other assistance to organisations promoting football.
  4. To conceive, draw up and ensure implementation of development plans for the promotion of football and improvement of activities and standards in football within the State.
  5. To monitor and report to the Government on existing schemes for the promotion of football in the State.
  6. To conceive, initiate, undertake, sponsor, stimulate and encourage research and development in sports and football-related medicine, bio-chemistry, psychology and other allied sciences.
  7. To conceive, plan and implement football development centres at convenient places in Goa to promote football, with special emphasis on development of football in notified districts, talukas and other areas.
  8. To initiate, sponsor and encourage research in football equipment in Goa, including but not limited to the production and/or manufacture of standard and specialised football equipment.
  9. To conceive, plan and ensure implementation of football infrastructure by way of playgrounds, ancillary buildings and other facilities within the State.
  10. To conceive and ensure implementation of welfare schemes for retired football players, coaches, referees and administrators.
  11. To advise the Government on all matters relating to promotion of football, on improvement of football standards, on other matters related to or impacting football in the State, and on other matters which it may like to recommend on its own to the Government and other departments and authorities.
  12. To organise seminars, conferences and similar events on different aspects of football at State, National and International level.
  13. To assist the SAG, the GFA and other authorities and departments at the Centre and State in implementing schemes for football.
  14. To do all such acts as it may be directed to perform by the Government for furtherance of the sport of football in Goa.