Scouting

AIFF Selection Policy 

The All India Football Federation conducts a TalentIdentification programme for its National Team Camps (both male and female teams) through a network of scouts managed regionally. Six regions have been systematically formed for efficient talent identification and development. Each region is managed by a Regional Head who oversees local talent and reports directly to the AIFF headquarters. The scouting programme also provides opportunities for Indian passport holders residing overseas. 

Scouting is conducted across competitions conducted by the AIFF viz., Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior NFC, which are competitions between State-teams; the Sub-Junior, Junior, and Elite Youth Leagues, which are competitions between licensed Academies/Clubs. 

- Scouts may be present at competitions conducted by District Football Associations affiliated with State Football Associations (FA), by University/School Educational bodies, and by private entities. 

- Further, for talent identification, AIFF may conduct trials in different states on a periodic basis in association with the respective State FAs. State FAs are encouraged to ensure the attendance of potential talents from all districts within their State at these trials. 

- From Indians living outside the country, the scouting team invites videos and documents on scouting@the-aiff.com.

The AIFF follows a systematic player evaluation process, where scouts submit detailed reports that are reviewed by the Regional Heads and Scouting Managers. The scouts shortlist players from the above activities as per the requirements of the national team coach of the specific age-group. Coaches may invite players to the Camp for further trials out of the recommendation list of Scouts. If the player meets the requirements of the coach, the player is asked to continue in the camp. The scouting network also keeps track of players who may show potential / lack in certain attributes / have been part of NT camp in the past. The player may be recommended to the NT coach once the scoutvfeels that the player is ready. 

Senior Men’s and Women National Teams: 

Men: Scouting is conducted at the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, and I-League 2. Inter-university and Santosh Trophy tournaments also provide options. In most cases, players are observed in the above competitions by senior team assistant coach or head coach before being invited to the National Team camp.

Women: Scouting is conducted at the Senior National Football Championship, Indian  Women's League, and Indian Women League 2 (IWL C IWL2). Senior team coach/es also  observe development of players in the U18/U19 National Team camps and call up players  who are deemed ready for the Senior Women's NT camp. The U18/U19 NT camp is a key  feeder to the senior team. 

All final selection decisions are taken by the Head Coach of the respective team. 

The Camp/Team selection document is signed by the Secretary General for administrative  sanctions. 

Notes: 

Aspiring players are strongly advised to continuously participate in local competitions like  Blue Cubs League, inter-school, inter-college, etc. In order to increase the chances of selection into the zonal/district/State-level age-category teams. This, in turn, raises the  chances of a player being signed by a Club to participate in AIFF Youth Leagues. 

Aspiring players and their coaches are advised to be apprised of activities conducted by the  State FA of the state of their residence, so that deserving players do not miss out on  opportunities to play. The link to the State Association details is available on www.the aiff.com. 

Players, coaches and parents are advised to stay in touch with the general developments in  Indian football by following the AIFF's official social media pages/handles on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. All are encouraged to watch National Team matches in all categories, when/if possible, so as to become familiar with the technical,tactical aspects  and general level of the national teams. 

*Players and parents are advised to be careful of unofficial agencies conducting 'National  Team' scouting events or promising access to National Team Camps. These decisions are  only taken by the Technical Staff of the National Teams. 

*Talent Identification is often conducted in a covert manner. Players, coaches, parents or  agents may not seek access to AIFF scouts. 

Players must produce original documents (birth certificate, Aadhaar, Passport) whenever  asked for by AIFF NT staff. 

Youth teams: Age-verification tests are conducted at various stages.

Players, coaches and parents are advised to stay in touch with the general  developments in Indian football by following the AIFF’s official social media  pages/handles on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Everyone is also encouraged to  watch National Team matches in all categories, whenever possible, so as to become  familiar with the technical, tactical aspects and general level of the national team.