Football - Game of the State

Goans are deeply in love with the game of Football. This game was brought to Goa in the year 1883 by Reverent Fr. William Robert Lyons from Udupi, Karnataka, the neighboring state of Goa. 

He had come to Siolim in Bardez Taluka to recover from some health problems. His love for Goa made him start a school in Siolim and introduce the sport there. He was the person responsible to include sports into the curriculum.

History records tell us that the first football match of Goa was played in the year 1900 at the Largo do Conceica , Panjim . It was witnessed by the then Governor General of Goa. From then on the game was regularly played.

It is said that the first football club of Goa was formed in the coastal village of Colva in Salcete. It was named as the Boys Social Club in 1905 under the direction of XN Dainaito.

When talking about Indian football , one cannot leave out Goan football from its discussion. At present there are four Goan clubs – Dempo SC, Churchill Bros Sc, Clube De Sporting and Vasco SC.

For a small state like Goa, Goan clubs on the national scene have led to questions being asked about the internal football set-up and what is it that ails Goan football.

Inter-village football is one of the lifelines of Goan football.The Goa Football Association is trying to give a better look and hold better competitions for inter-village football. It is this inter-village football that gives birth to the nationwide known Goan footballers.

Goan feasts are never complete without inter-village football competitions. Hundreds of people gather to watch and enjoy the sport.

Goa has two footballers to boast of who have won the nation's prestigious ARJUNA AWARD. This award was instituted in 1961 as the highest national recognition for outstanding performance in Sports.

Brahmanand Shanwalkar

Bruno Coutinho

The first Goan to receive this award was former Indian goalkeeper Brahmanand Shanwalkar.

The second Goan to receive was Former Indian captain Bruno Coutinho.

Hope this game adds more to the list of Arjuna Awardees and thus make Goans proud!