Jerome Valcke stresses on Grassroots and not ISL to be the focus for India

Indian Football is witnessing a new dawn as the course of its operation. With Indian Super League beginning on October 12, the sport is shaping in a professional framework. General Secretary of FIFA, Jerome Valcke, was in India and had expressed some different opinion on Indian Football. While glitz and glamour is inspiring the youngsters to pursue the sports, India’s hopes of becoming the soccer power that rests with its development at a grassroots level, according to FIFA General Secretary. 

ISL is presenting a great scene as top veteran international players are extending their support and have joined the franchisee teams. This list of players includes Alessandro Del Piero, Marco Materazzi, Joan Capdevila, David Trezeguet and Robert Pires who have all signed up to play in the league. The tournament has already received a remarkable response from the football fans in the subcontinent. But again the authorities do not want to make any preconceived judgement whether the league will be a success or not. Valcke, on the other hand, has a different perception on the success of football in India. He has made a specific statement as he feel that the improvement should be made from the basic and elementary level. This grassroots development is an indispensable requirement for the overall health of the sport in the country.

AIFF President Praful Patel too has emphasised the refinement of the I-League which he called the main league and the mainstay of Indian Football. Valcke has sounded much praiseworthy on the efforts and the strategies of the governing body which is opening completely new horizon for Indian football. Valcke conveyed in the press conference that FIFA has already presented a project and has commenced working on the Indian Federation. The General Secretary has reassured that FIFA is going to take necessary steps which are required for promote or help the development of football in India.

While appreciating the importance of the presence of these international players, Valcke also emphasised on the need to develop the local players. Valcke has also met the sports minister to seek support to develop the soccer infrastructure in the country.   A proper infrastructure will help the youngsters to watch and play the games. It is a matter of great importance that a team should have a mix up of local players and star players from abroad. A perfect balance has to be struck between the local players and international stars which would be the perfect recipe to create strong footballers in the country. Praful Patel profile as the AIFF Chief has also been quite applauding in this context as the president is consistently trying to make a perfect roadmap for the sports to grow and gain much international exposure.

Author’s Bio: AIFF President Praful Patel is stressing on the refinement of the I-League considering it to be the mainstay of the Indian Football. To know more about Praful Patel information, stay connected to Facebook and Twitter.

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