AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: A five-day FIFA Pilot Course for Technical Directors being organised by FIFA was inaugurated in Cochin on Monday (February 8, 2016). The Course is being attended by participants from South and Central Asia plus six participants from India.

The six Technical Officers from the six State Associations chosen as part of FIFA’s Pilot Project for Development of State FAs in India are also attending the Course along with Scott O’Donell, Technical Director, All India Football Federation.

Speaking to www.the-aiff.com Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, FIFA Regional Developmental Officer for South and Central Asia stated the Course intended at “further development of Technical Directors and aims to facilitate development both on and off the field.”

“The objective is to empower TDs become more efficient in managing various functions of the Technical Department. The Course stresses on a 360 degree understanding of how to manage relationships, planning, implementing and involving GR, Youth Development, Women’s Football, Coach Education and laying the path to Elite Football,” Dr. Prabhakaran maintained.

This is the second such Course being organised by FIFA, the earlier having being conducted in Malawi two weeks back.

Dr. Prabhakaran whole heartedly welcomed the participation of the Indian Technical Officers in the Course.

“It was last year that AIFF as part of their Strategic Plan had laid down an ambitious plan with help of FIFA for restructuring of State Associations. As part of that, appointments have been done for Technical and Administrative Officers,” he emphasized.

“FIFA wants all to be optimally sustainable, both financially and structure wise.”

“The exposure gained will serve them and Indian Football in high stead. They will go back enriched, encouraged and motivated.”

Besides FIFA Instructors from Switzerland, the Course is being organised under the direct supervision and guidance of Juerg Nepfer, FIFA Head of Education and Technical Development.

“This is an education of how a Technical Director should optimally function and structure the Technical Department in the Member Association. A lot is also being stressed on communication with the President, General Secretaries, Executive Committee Members, Technical Committee, and even the National Team Coach.”