AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: All India Football Federation organised a grassroots panel webinar with representatives from Hero Indian Super League clubs, Hero I-League clubs and state associations on Monday (August 3, 2020).

Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary, All India Football Federation, highlighted the importance of the Grassroots program and the significance of the meeting to “understand the importance.”

"It's very important for all of us to understand the importance AIFF puts on Grassroots and youth development. The idea behind this (meeting) is to encourage participation rather than competition. Even amateur footballers are also free to take part," Mr. Das averred.

"As part of licensing, Hero Indian Super League and Hero I-League clubs have to fulfil the grassroots criteria. AIFF will always look forward to engage regarding grassroots programs, Golden Baby Leagues, etc,” the General Secretary stated.

The All India Football Federation in its effort to move ‘forward together’ have received full membership of the AFC Elite Youth Scheme recently followed by earning a bronze-level membership of AFC Grassroots Charter earlier in 2020.

"AFC have always recognised AIFF's role in Grassroots development. Receiving full membership of the AFC Youth Elite Scheme and bronze-level membership of AFC Grassroots Charter this year underlines the importance we put on grassroots development," the General Secretary opined.

Mr. Isac Doru, Technical Director, All India Football Federation informed that AIFF will draft a four-year plan for overall development.

"We'll focus on technical development and overall grassroots development. We're in a process to prepare a four-year plan. With respect to Grassroots we need to proceed from the transitional phase to the developmental phase, and for that we need to take care of four key aspects -- Tactical, Psychological, Analytical and Technical," Mr. Doru explained.

The Technical Director also praised Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) and Bengaluru FC for receiving a two-star status of AIFF Elite Youth Scheme.

"Kids should be encouraged to take up football from U-8 age-groups. For progressive development, the process needs to continue till U-18 age-group. Reliance Foundation Young Champs and Bengaluru FC are doing a tremendous job. More than a thousand kids are involved there. Winning the two-star status in AFC Elite Youth Scheme signifies the good work they are putting in."