Beginning of a new era for the Indian football

It was at a recent I-League match, that a bunch of youngsters, possessing excellent football skills, humbled defending Champions Pune FC. The score line after the match read 3-1. So the question now is what is youth development in Indian football all about? The question might appear to be perplexing, but Technical director Scott o’ Donell says, “It is about giving our talented Players the opportunity to fulfill the potential.” Tracing its history, All India Football Federation’s Navi Mumbai Academy was officially launched on May 11, 2012 in Mumbai, where individuals like AIFF President Praful Patel, Ms.Edith Schippers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport of The Netherlands were also part of the launch. The young boys, who outscored Pune FC, have been training, studying and living together. The camaraderie shared amongst these youngsters is phenomenal. Probably, this is clearly visible in the match results. 

It is not often, that you see the 16 year olds, challenging the 19 year olds, especially when they have been the defending champions of the sport. Besides, it is also to be kept in mind that it was never about a one-off friendly match, but an official tournament. Probably, the way these youngsters have gone on to take the challenge goes on to show the amount of talent that the Indian football has under its belt. The youth is taking Indian football to another level and Praful Patel’s contributions towards the same have been spectacular. A day after the Under 19 I –League match, Mr. Das said, “Pune FC are a strong side. It’s against such Teams that you test yourself. They are the defending champions and have been playing the best football in the U-19 Meet for the last two years. The fact that we could beat them and how is truly incredible. This result will do wonders to the confidence of the Boys.”  

Concisely, these youngsters are looking for exposure. If the AIFF continues to adhere to the plans designed for the future events, there is no reason why India would not be able to do well on a global platform. Currently, we need to forget about where we stand in terms of world football and play more freely. This will further help the footballers up their ante and perform to the best of their potential. NCP Leader Praful Patel, who has already set off on a mission, to make football, the number one sport in the nation, shall look after the rest. 

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