Long-term plan to develop women's football, says FC Goa's Derrick Pereira

The Technical Director of the Gaurs along with coach Sugitesh Mandrekar addressed the media ahead of their GFA Vedanta Women's Football League campaign.

The GFA Vedanta Women’s League is set to kick off on 28th February. Five teams will be vying for the coveted title that was previously held by Bidesh XI, who will not be fielding a team this year. The absence of former champions this year also means a new winner will be crowned. FC Goa would be fielding this team this year in a bid to make a mark in women’s football. The side will be coached by Sugitesh Mandrekar under the guidance of the able and experienced Derrick Pereira. Both of them answered questions from the media with regards to the upcoming season.

Technical Director Derrick Pereira on FC Goa’s women’s football push

For FC Goa, gender has never been a barrier when it comes to football. Derrick Pereira reiterated the view by saying, “We always believe in promoting football. The gender doesn’t matter. We participated in the first year of the Vedanta League. And there was a break in between for certain reasons. This year, we got another opportunity to participate in the Vedanta League although we were a bit late to form the team. The preparations are going on well. We are always looking to do something for women’s football.”

On what the league means for the Gaurs

The GFA Vedanta Women's League would be a huge platform for young girls who are coming up in the world of football. “We at FC Goa want to promote women’s football. This is an opportunity for our girls to play competitive football. It is a blessing that even during this pandemic situation, we get an opportunity to play. We have a very good team of young and experienced girls are trying to find the right combination to win this league. Hopefully, we win this league and qualify for the Indian Women’s League.”

Changes that need to come to women’s football

Unlike the boys’ squads where routine exposure is provided from a young age, women have it a bit more tough. Derrick Pereira elaborated on this point saying, “We need to have a structure in place and long-term plan like we have for the boys’ team. There has to be competition for every age group for women’s team. If we have such a competition, there will be a path forward for the girls to develop from a very young age. In the future, the long-term plan is to have a structure in place and develop women’s football.”

Team selection

The Technical Director also shed some light on the selection process of the team. “We had trials for the girls. Most of the teams had already finalized their squads. So far, we've had three weeks of training. We did some scouting as well to enlist some experienced girls."

Small schedule and what it bodes

The league has only five participating teams. Therefore, the schedule has turned out to be small. However, it also serves as a sign of revival for women’s football after the pandemic. “We are happy to participate in this league, despite there being very few matches. If we qualify for the IWL, we will get some more matches to play at a different level."

"In the future we are going to work with the association to see that there is a longer season for the girls and there is a tougher competition. We need to sit with the organizers and association to plan the setup for the future. At the moment in the current situation, we are happy that there is some competition. It will give us a picture to see where we need to work on and what we need to work on to develop players who can play at the highest level,” the Derrick Pereira concluded.

Coach Sugitesh Mandrekar on preparations for the league

The team is in their third week of preparation as the kick-off date for the tournament edges closer. “The preparations are going on well. The girls have been together for three weeks now. Due to the pandemic and not participating last year, there was a little bit of break in between. The girls are adjusting well to the conditions. We want to show good football when we play our first match.”

On sticking to the FC Goa philosophy

The FC Goa philosophy will be a key feature of the side and the coach is very particular about the same. “We at FC Goa will always like to stick to our philosophy of playing. Keeping the ball possession and moving forward. A very attractive and attacking kind of football. The girls were chosen through that pathway itself. They are adapting well to the system as well. I hope to continue in the same line.”

Atmosphere within the team

Despite being one of the last teams in the league to finalize the squad, Sugitesh Mandrekar feels that his team is ready for the big stage. “The environment now is very positive. We have played a lot of practice matches against the youth teams of FC Goa. I can see a very positive attitude with regards to the girls at the moment. The girls have bonded well. They are enjoying the training sessions and games. Hopefully, it will continue throughout the league," he concluded.

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