The term ‘grassroots’ is used to refer the lowest, the most elementary form of the game that anyone can play.

Pune FC celebrated AFC Grassroots Day by conducting a special grassroots programme for 120 children and simultaneously completed the AIFF Grassroots Leaders Course.

The three-day celebrations began with 25 candidates signing up for the Leaders Course, of which the audio-video theory session was held at the Peninsula Pune FC Academy on Friday, 15th May, while the practical sessions were conducted at the Pune FC Training Pitches in Mamurdi on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Directing proceedings was Pune FC Women’s Team Coach and AFC ‘B’ License holder Kalpana Dass who conducted the Course for city coaches involved at the grassroots level.

Pune FC conducted the course in association with the state body – Western India Football Association (WIFA) and the district body – Poona District Football Association (PDFA) under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The Grassroots Festival held on the final day of the programme at the Pune FC Training Pitches had participation from children between the ages of 7 and 14 years. The aim of the festival was primarily to generate interest among the kids for the sport and also to provide them the right platform to display their skills. The youngsters were also taken through various fun drills and games, which were divided into eight stations of activity, by Pune FC Coaches along with the Grassroots Leaders.

The festival on Sunday had a huge draw of anxious parents partake in the day long activity which lasted three hours. While the children were put through the basics of the ‘beautiful game’, the budding footballers enjoyed every minute spent on the field, and braved the scorching heat.

All participants were given away certificates by the Pune FC Coaches, Officials and the Grassroot Leaders respectively.

(Report and Picture courtesy: Pune FC)