| Date | R | Home v Away | - |
|---|
Teams
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Sesa FA
Holy Cross SC
Penha de France SC
Goa Police SC
Goa Velha
Vagator Parish Youth SC
Curtorim Gymkhana
Clube Sao Minguel de Taleigao
St Savio SC
UC Telaulim
Panjim Footballers
Velsao SCC
Salgaocar SC U21
Salgaocar FC U20
YC Manora
SCC Cavelossim
Guardian Angel SC
AA de Moira
Dempo SC U21
Cuncolim Union
Wikipedia - Goa Football League
The Goa Football League is a ladder-based football competition in the Indian state of Goa, organised by the Goa Football Association as part of the state leagues. It was formed in 1951 as the Goa Primeira Divisão or Goa First Division, and the current top division consists of the Goa Professional League (abbreviated as GPL, also known as the CAM Goa Pro League for sponsorship reasons) which is the premier state-level football league in Goa. Dempo is the most successful club in the tournament, with sixtteen titles.
History
Goa Primeira Divisão / Goa First Division
The official league in Goa, called the Goa Primeira Divisão or Goa First Division, began in 1951 and was organised by the Conselho de Desportos. The first League champion of Goa was Clube Desportivo de Chinchinim who beat Football Club of Siolim, to clinch the title.
League continued under the aegis of the Conselho de Desportos until the season of 1958–59, with Clube de Desportos de Vasco da Gama taking the title that year. In 1959, the Goa Football Association was established as the official administrative body of football and from that season onwards the league was conducted by GFA. The 1959–60 League was conducted by the GFA and Clube Independente de Margao emerged champions.
Until the 1968–69 season, the First division league was considered as senior. The GFA introduced Senior Division in 1969–70, which used to be the topmost division, but later was abandoned.
In 1970–71 season, apart from the Senior division league, there came into existence the First division league, which was split into two groups, namely the North Zone and South Zone. While the North Zone consisted of teams from Ilhas and Bardez, the South Zone accommodated teams from Mormugao and Salcete.
From the around 24 teams in the Second division, just one would make it to the First division, while there were around 60 teams battling it out in the Third division, of which two teams make it to the next stage. Subsequently, the teams finishing at the bottom of their respective pool are relegated to lower divisions.
Goa Super Division
In 1977 Goa Football Association introduced the Super League, with Salgaocar Sports Club clinching the title. With football continuing to develop at a fast pace, GFA decided it was time to push the game onto a higher platform. Goa emerged as the first State ever in the country, to go fully professional with the game.
Goa Professional League
The first Professional league was launched in the 1998–99 season. The five top teams of the 1997–98 Super League – Churchill Brothers, Salgaocar, Dempo, Vasco and VLM SC – automatically qualified for the Pro league.
The Professional league was expanded to six teams from the 2000–01 season, after the GFA increased the participating number and competitiveness factor. Since 2002 the league was played as an eight-team format with home-and-away fixtures, making it 14 matches for each club. The GFA then announced that the 2011 season would be played with 10 teams under a new format.
The tournament showcases the best teams from across Goa, representing various cities and regions within the state. These teams compete fiercely against each other, displaying their skills, tactics, and teamwork on the field. The level of competition is intense, as each team strives to claim the coveted title of the India Goa First Division champions.
The tournament features a round-robin format, where teams face off against each other in a series of matches. The matches are played in various stadiums and grounds throughout Goa, creating a dynamic and exciting atmosphere for the players and fans alike. The tournament lasts for several weeks, allowing ample time for teams to showcase their abilities and fight for victory.
The India Goa First Division is not only a platform for teams to showcase their talent but also serves as a breeding ground for young and aspiring footballers. Scouts and talent spotters from professional clubs and national teams often attend the tournament, looking for potential stars who can make a mark in the world of football.
The tournament attracts a large and enthusiastic crowd, with fans filling the stadiums to cheer for their favorite teams. The atmosphere is electric, with passionate chants, colorful banners, and a palpable sense of excitement. The tournament also serves as a social gathering, bringing together people from different backgrounds and communities to celebrate their shared love for the beautiful game.
The India Goa First Division is not just a soccer tournament; it is a celebration of the sport, culture, and spirit of Goa. It showcases the immense talent and passion that exists within the state's football community, while also providing a platform for players to shine and potentially take their careers to new heights.