SFA fulfilling dreams, taking football to the world

PANAJI, Oct 25, 2014: They had a dream, a dream to make it big in football, and it was Sesa Football Academy (SAF) that has helped them to live that dream. Denzil Franco, Rowilson Rodrigues, Adil Khan, Godwin Franco and Gabriel Fernandes may be divided by teams, but they have once thing in common, Sesa Football Academy(SFA).

All these players have graduated from the prestigious SFA to successful complete their four year training programme with SFA.The players acknowledge that fact and are indebted to the academy for imparting football knowledge and life values in them.

After impressive performances in the I-league these players are all out make a mark in the ISL and currently brushing shoulders with some of the legends of the game, ISL gives them the opportunity whereas their strong foundation at the academy helps them adapt and deliver on the filed.

“We are delighted that five boys from our academy are the part of the debutant ISL league brushing shoulders with experience European, Brazilian and African players,” said Cyril Rodrigues, Manager SFA.

Denzil Franco has been impressive with Atletico de Kolkata in the first few games and is already a star of Indian football with his performances in the I-league and with the national team. However, he is still grounded as apart from football knowledge, the values imparted in him at the academy have remained intact

“I was like a child who knew to walk but wanted to learn to run and the guidance came from SFA, it brought out the best in me and gave me the thirst of pushing myself to my extreme capabilities and always strives to give better than my best”, says a humble Franco Gabriel Fernandes, FC Goa midfielder has already made a mark in the hearts and minds of FC Goans and impressed Zico who preferred to start with the local boy in both their matches.

Gabi says that Sesa FA helped him become a disciplined footballer.“SFA is part of my life, cannot forget the years spent at Sesa FA and the efforts of Coaches and support of the Sesa Management.

Rowilson Rodrigues, FC Goa defender thanked SFA for helping him improve his game at grass root level as he feels that is what has helped him realize his dreams and make it big in football.“Whatever I am today it is only because of SFA and I am very proud to be SFA player, SFA is one of the best academies in India and only residential type in Goa for developing young Goan boys”, said the FC Goa defender

Adil Khan, Delhi Dynamos thanked the management, coaches and staff for being so supportive throughout his stay at the academy.“I spent five wonderful years of my life in football career at Sesa Football Academy, people recognize me as a football player and all the credit goes to Sesa FA and of course a little bit of my hard work”, says the former Sporting Clube de Goa and Mohun Bagan Midfielder.

Godwin Franco, Midfield Maestro for Kerala Blasters says “SFA has been my foundation to professional football and that firm foundation is helping me to perform to the peak of my ability in the Indian Super League. These five players have been an inspiration to many youngsters in the state especially the young players that are currently part of the SFA, who want to replicate the same.

The Indian Super League has given an opportunity to many youngsters to prove their worth at the highest level with many players now focused and secured about their careers.Youth development however continues to lack in the country, and more youthdevelopment initiatives and professional football academies likes Sesa Football Academy and Tata Football Academy are needed to produce poster boys of Indian