Goa Football Development Council

Meet Melwin Joseph Fernandes, a dedicated football coach with over 12 years of experience in shaping young talent in Goa. At 39, Melwin leads the Quepem GFDC Centre at Pope John School Ground, Don Bosco, and the Cuncolim GFDC Centre at DSYA Ground, Cuncolim, where he is currently coaching U-13 and U-15 boys. A former player who represented Churchill Brothers in the U-19 NFL and played the Goa League with Cavelossim, St. Rock Fatrade, Salcete FC, and Curtorim Gymkhana, Melwin carries his playing passion into his coaching journey. Holding an AFC C-License, he believes in developing players technically, tactically, mentally, and physically, with decision-making, belief, identity, and progress as his guiding principles. His proudest moments include guiding his teams to victories such as the GFDC U-13 winners in 2017/18, Boca Juniors U-13 title in 2018, multiple grassroots tournaments across Benaulim, Sinquetim, Navelim, Ambelim, and Fatorda, and senior-level success with the GFA 3rd Division title in 2019 and a runner-up finish in the 2nd Division in 2020/21. For Melwin, the most rewarding part of being a GFDC coach is the opportunity to nurture grassroots footballers and lay a strong foundation for the future of Goan football. Inspired by legends like Bruno Coutinho and Cristiano Ronaldo, and equally passionate about cricket as a GCA player, he motivates youngsters with a simple mantra: “Keep working hard every day and never give up until you achieve your goals—that is the true secret of success.”