AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The first AIFF Grassroots Leaders Course in Delhi, jointly organised by Football Link, Delhi Soccer Association and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) concluded at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Sunday (December 22, 2013). The Grassroots Course had kicked-off on December 20.

A total of 45 Coaches, currently involved in Grassroots Football attended the Course. 
The Course was conducted by AIFF representatives – Mr. Suvrat Thatte (Grassroots Development Manager, AIFF), Ms. Anju Turambekar (AIFF Grassroots Instructor) and Mr Keshav Dutt (AIFF Grassroots Instructor).

The AIFF Grassroots Course is specially designed for Grassroots Coaches/Leaders and is part of the AIFF Grassroots Development Programme. This is the first time the Course was held in Delhi and it gave the participants an understanding of the philosophy, organisation and implementation of Grassroots Football in India.

The participants had multiple theory and practical sessions and were also introduced to the importance of small-sided games, code of conduct and child safety procedures for children between 6 to 12 years of age.

The Course concluded with a Grassroots Festival which was conducted by Course participants under the guidance of the Instructors. The festival was a mix of technical stations and small-sided game stations for the kids and lasted for about 90 minutes. A total of 85 kids participated in the Festival.

Mr. Hira Ballabh (Executive Director, SAI) and Mr. Biraja Misra (Chairman, The Football Link) felicitated the coaches with the AIFF Grassroots Leaders Certificates.