Goa Football Development Council

Michel Castanha, has been a dedicated football coach with the Goa Football Development Council since 2013, bringing over 12 years of coaching experience to the Navelim Centre. A former India international and professional club player, Michel holds an AFC B License and currently trains the U-10, U-12, and U-14 age groups.

Her coaching philosophy centres on creating a supportive yet challenging environment where players not only develop their football skills but also build character, striving for constant growth both on and off the field. Having experienced the game as both a player and a coach, Michel is deeply motivated to guide young footballers during this crucial stage of their development — instilling the right habits, mindset, and a genuine love for the sport.

For Michel, the most rewarding part of coaching at GFDC is seeing her players grow and succeed, whether they go on to represent the state, the country, or shine at the club level. One of her proudest achievements as a coach was leading her team to victory in the U-19 Futsal State Championship.

Off the field, Michel enjoys music and dance, and she draws inspiration from her favourite footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sunil Chhetri. Her advice to young players is simple yet powerful: “Love football deeply because when you truly love something, you enjoy every step of achieving in it. Make football part of your daily routine, and it won’t just build your skills — it will shape your character and your future.”