AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Eighty children participated in the 14th AIFF Grassroots Festival conducted by the AIFF Regional Academy at the Fr. Agnel’s Ground, Navi Mumbai. 

Present at the occasion was Scott O'Donell AIFF Technical Director, Academies & Director Coach Education, who addressed the children prior to kick-off.

The children - aged six to eight- were divided into twelve teams and guided through a series of six activity grids, with three of them featuring ‘5 v 5’ matches and three focusing on technical ability using fun-based drills.

The primary focus of the weekly festivals is to introduce newcomers into football at a young age, create a safe environment for them to play in and most importantly ensure that the children enjoy the beautiful game.

The weekly festival has been a regular event at the venue by the AIFF Regional Academy since the first outing held in early August.

The AIFF’s initiative is part of the celebration and observation of the AFC Grassroots Year 2013 during which Member Associations are encouraged to organise activities to promote and emphasise that football is accessible and socially beneficial to everyone and that a strong foundation will allow players to progress to the Elite level.

The next festival is scheduled for Saturday, December 8 2013.