GFA First Division League
The Goa Football Association First Division (First Division) is the second highest state level football league in Goa following Goa Pro League. It is organised by the Goa Football Association. The champions of the First Division get promoted to the GPL. The last place gets relegated to the Second Division. It is contested by 11 clubs.
| Founded | 1951 |
|---|---|
| Country |  |
| Number of teams | 11 |
| Level on pyramid | 2 |
| Promotion to | Goa Professional League |
| Relegation to | GFA 2nd Division |
| Current champions | Penha de France SC (2016-17) |
| Website | First Division |
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History
The official league in Goa, called the 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.
The League continued under the aegis of the Conselho de Desportos till 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 there was no Senior League. The First Division League was considered Senior.
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 27 teams in the Second Division, just one make it to the First Division League.
As of 2017 there are 11 clubs playing the league with each team playing a total number of 10 matches. It is played from March to May.
GFA First Division League clubs 2016-17
The following 11 clubs are competing in the GFA First Division during the 2016—17 season.
| Club |
|---|
| CSM Minguel de Taleigao |
| Goa Police SC |
| Goa Velha SC |
| Holy Cross Sports Club |
| Immaculate Conception SC |
| Panjim Footballers |
| Penha de Franca SC |
| Salgaocar Football Club (Jrs.) |
| Sesa FA |
| UC Telaulim |