Bengaluru Football Club conducted a Grassroots Festival to commemorate the AFC Grassroots Day at the Bangalore Football Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Saturday. The two hour event hosted 112 kids from different localities in and around Bengaluru and was conducted by the club’s youth team coaches and players.

Players from the Blues’ U19 and U16 squad, who doubled up as team managers for the day, involved the young children in various football drills, including dribbling, passing, shooting, attacking and defending, which would make them familiar with the basics of football before a fun 4v4 and 6v6 game.

Bengaluru FC’s Head of Youth Development, Richard Hood, expressed his delight at the enthusiasm shown by the children who took part in the event. “The kids were absolutely brilliant today. By the time we got our third round going it was hard to tell that they were playing together for the first time. It was equality and team spirit at its very best. The festival was planned keeping in mind simplicity, fun and constant engagement and the response by the young players made it easy for all of us,” he said.

Hood, who is a UEFA ‘A’ and AFC ‘A’ Licence holder also stated that the club would be looking to conduct more such programs following the turnout and response he received.

“It’s a big credit to the parents and local coaches who took the time out to bring the kids from all parts of the city. Given that they come from different backgrounds and playing ability it was great to see the smiles, high-fives, goal celebrations and encouragement they shared among themselves. Every aspect of why these festivals were conceptualized came to life today thanks to these young players and there is absolutely no doubt that Bengaluru FC will look to conduct them more often,” he added.

With 16 team managers, all from the club’s U19 and U16 squads, the Blues divided the pitch into eight different grids. More than 40 parents lined up in the South Stand of the stadium to watch their young ones take part in the training session.

“Somewhere behind the footballer my son has become it’s the hours of practice, the coaches who have pushed him and the experience he gets from moments like these that he will remember all his life. It gives us parents joy to see the club going the extra mile to help the kids get closer to their dreams,” said Louis, father of 9 year old Alan who is a regular in the Blues’ Youth Program.

It was all in a happy day for the youngsters who went home with a gift pack that included tickets to the Blues’ penultimate home fixture of the season against Salgaocar FC.

(Report and Picture courtesy: Bengaluru FC)