News article by Gasper Crasto April 23: FC Goa has appointed iconic Goan footballer Derrick Pereira as its Assistant Coach, and Head of its Youth Development Program at a function held in Panjim, Goa (23rd April 2017). The well-known former international player and currently an I-league coach was unveiled to the media by FC Goa President Mr. Akshay Tandon and presented with a club jersey. Derrick expressed his happiness at the appointment in messages on social media. He said he will work hard especially to develop youth football in Goa and in assisting FC Goa's Head Coach in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL). Legendary Brazilian footballer Zico has been the club's Manager (Head Coach) since inception of the franchise. However, FC Goa fans may see a new face at the helm in the coming months. Derrick Pereira (born 17 March 1962), is undoubtedly a Goan icon. He was a household name in Goan football during his hey days when he brought laurels to the state and country alike. Currently, Derrick manages Churchill Brothers FC in the I-League. Derrick has signed a 2-year deal with FC Goa which will begin once he finishes his commitment with Churchill Brothers. Derrick's first assignment may be to lead FC Goa in the Goa Professional League; the team is expected to participate for the first time and will probably field a youth team. DERRICK PEREIRA - A PROFILE Derrick’s story began in the late 1970s when he started playing for local Goan clubs as a child (Antao Brothers, Mangor Hill, etc). Derrick’s first move to a top club was with Salgaocar SC in 1980 where he stayed on till 1983 and later moved to Tata Football Academy (Bombay). He returned to Salgaocars in 1985 and stayed on till the end of his career in 1999. The apex of his career was leading Goa to victory in the 1980 Junior National Championship. Another highlight was leading Salgaocar to victory in the 1990 Rovers Cup beating arch rivals Dempo in the final. Derrick was part of TEAM INDIA from 1984-91 and was part of the national team which featured in 1984 AFC Asian Cup.
FC Goa President Akshay Tandon introducing Assistant Coach Derrick Pereira
DERRICK – AS A COACH
Derrick’s coaching career began with Salgaocar U-19. That was a job which he held for 2 seasons.
Next, he took up coaching Vasco SC first team which he successfully managed for 5 seasons till 2005.
Derrick's next prominent assignment was coaching Mahindra United from 2005 to 2009.
Then in June 2009 he signed for Pune FC, where he managed the team for 3 seasons, leading them to top-5 finishes in each season.
In the 2013–14 I-League campaign, Salgaocar replaced their foreign coach David Booth with Derrick Pereira. Salgaocar finished at 3rd place that season, which was a marked improvement over their previous 2 seasons.
In February 2017, Derrick signed with Churchill Brothers, after the team stood last in the table and succeeded in bringing them up the ladder to a respectable position.
Derrick's dynamic efforts have earned him Coach of the Year twice at the All India level - once with Salgaocars, other with FC Pune.
FORCA FC GOA
FC Goa franchise was previously owned by Goan Football Club Pvt. Ltd. which used to consist of Dattaraj Salgaocar (37% stake) and Shrinivas Dempo (37% stake).
The franchise is now taken over by Jaydev Mody (65% stake) Venugopal Dhoot (23% stake) and Virat Kohli (12% stake).
FC GOA GRASSROOTS
FC Goa's grassroots development program has seen FC Goa reaching out to over 20,000 children.
Over 1500 children between the age groups of 6 to 14 are currently being groomed by FC Goa under different schools. The U- 14 team, the Junior Gaurs are doing excellently well.