Goa Football Development Council

“To build a strong football foundation for youngsters, you need passion, patience, and purpose.”

At GFDC Dabal, Coach Prajot Dharma Shirodkar has been a driving force in grassroots football. With over 16 years of coaching experience — 13½ of them with the Goa Football Development Council — he has devoted his career to shaping the next generation of Goan footballers. An AFC C Pro Pass certified coach, Prajot believes in more than just training players; he believes in creating disciplined, confident individuals who carry the spirit of the game beyond the field.

His philosophy is simple yet powerful: build strong footballing foundations while keeping the joy of the game alive. Guided by this approach, Prajot has inspired many youngsters to achieve remarkable milestones. One of his trainees proudly represented the nation and state in the U-14 boys’ category, while twelve others went on to represent Goa in the U-14 girls’ category.

The impact of his coaching is evident in the long list of achievements. His teams have clinched the Subroto Mukherjee and DSYA taluka championships 30 times, representing schools like Pope John XXIII High School, Quepem, and Immaculate Conception High School, Dabal. He guided his team to victory in the inaugural Fr. Peter SVD Memorial (U-13 boys) tournament and was instrumental in securing the runners-up position at the GFA U-15 Coca-Cola Cup in 2013. His journey also includes coaching success at national platforms, with his teams finishing runners-up at Khelo India Girls 2019 and the U-12 boys’ tournament organized by Salcete Football Club with Monovikas English High School, Margao.
Off the field, Coach Prajot draws inspiration from legends like Alvito D’Cunha and Diego Maradona, and balances his passion for football with his love for agriculture. Yet, at the core of it all, he lives by a simple mantra — enjoy the game.