The programme, headed by president Ricardo Cardozo, has focused on building football development from the grassroots level with an emphasis on structure, patience and continuity. “We have always believed that football development cannot be rushed. If you give children the right environment early and stay committed to the process, results will follow naturally,” Cardozo said.
The system introduces children to organised football training from the age of six, following a progressive age-group structure that focuses on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning and discipline. This pathway allows players to move seamlessly into competitive football through Super Goan Football Club, the parent club of the programme. Over the past four years, Super Goan FC has consistently finished among the top four teams in grassroots tournaments, winning multiple competitions, while also establishing itself as a strong contender in the GFA Second Division League with regular top-four finishes.
A major strength of the initiative has been the development of supporting infrastructure across multiple centres. Daily training sessions are held at the Candolim Panchayat Football Academy, where over 100 children train across various age groups, while additional high-intensity futsal sessions are conducted at the Nagoa Futsal Arena. The football network has also expanded to centres at Porvorim and the Benaulim Constituency Football Academy, which functions under the Super 30 umbrella with the support of Warren Alemao, ensuring a common football philosophy across regions.
The programme has received consistent institutional backing from Candolim Panchayat, with continued encouragement from Blaize Fernandes, while the technical framework is led by head coach Tony Okafor, whose structured coaching methods are reflected in the discipline and playing identity of teams at all levels. Operations and coordination across centres and competitions are managed by Marcos Fernandes, Head of Department and Manager, with continued support from Shrikrishna Nagvekar.
Beyond results, the initiative has fostered strong community involvement, particularly on matchdays, where parents and supporters turn up in large numbers to create a vibrant and vocal atmosphere. “When parents become part of the journey, it motivates the children and strengthens the entire system. This support has been one of our biggest assets,” Cardozo added.
One of the most significant outcomes of the programme has been its commitment to developing and competing with homegrown players. Several footballers who began their journey within this structure have progressed to professional youth clubs, continuing their careers beyond grassroots and state-level competitions. “Our aim has always been to trust our own players and give them opportunities. Seeing them move on to higher levels is the real measure of success for us,” Cardozo said.
With a clear grassroots-to-club pathway, growing infrastructure and strong community backing, the Candolim Panchayat-Super 30-Super Goan FC model continues to demonstrate how sustained grassroots planning can shape the future of football development in Goa.