Realistic anticipations of beating strong team is the sign of development: Abhishek Yadav
Indian youth teams, in recent times, have been on an upward surge in terms of results. While the Indian U-16 boys have already equaled their best ever performance in the AFC U-16 Championship in Malaysia 2018 by reaching the quarter-finals, the Indian U-19 boys had defeated Argentina of late.
Meanwhile the Indian U-16 Women’s National Team, after winning the SAFF Championship had narrowly missed out in the Qualifiers of the AFC U-16 Women’s.
In an exclusive interview, AIFF’s Director of National Teams Abhishek Yadav talks at length about the Indian youth teams, the “ongoing process” and a lot more.
EXCERPTS:
The Indian youth teams have done well in recent times. Your thoughts.
A combination of multiple factors is helping our youth teams. The primary factor is the intent of the AIFF to continue on the path of development. Thanks to the support of the AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel, AIFF General Secretary Mr Kushal Das and our partners FSDL, I have been able to articulate the intent and design plans which have been presented to the MYAS and SAI.
It is owing to their backing that we are able to execute our plans in which playing competitive matches against stronger opponents holds the highest importance. Concurrently, AIFF’s coach education programmes, the growth of Youth Leagues, and more are creating an essential mass that raises the talent available at disposal for scouting.
The Indian U-16s have been undefeated so far in their AFC Qualifying and championship campaign. Are you happy with the performance?
I am happy that we have progressed to the quarter-finals of the Championship. I am happy that we were able to execute the preparatory programme as per our concepts. However, I remain excited owing to a feeling that this group of players is capable of better performances and further improvement as players. Reaching the AFC U16 quarter-final is an incidental part of a journey. Our goals are much higher.
What does it mean for Indian Football?
At a macro-level, I gauge AIFF’s work with youth teams is kindling hope and belief in the Indian football fraternity — we are realistically anticipating overcoming strong youth teams like Iran today. This in itself is a sign of progress and as belief spreads across academies and clubs in our country; our growth should gather more momentum.
How crucial were the exposure trips?
For our youth players, we have made the exposure trips as the most crucial aspect than any other because we played matches against quality opponents in different conditions, providing our youth players theexperience which is very important.
We have preferred playing national teams and in tournaments. We have been choosy. Our boys are now familiar with players and playing styles of dozens of countries due to the exposures and the players feel more confident. The work will continue.
Will this team act as a spinal for Indian teams to come?
We are creating the platform and opportunities for players, coaches & support staff to grab and proceed to serve Indian football in the long run. It may not be appropriate to think of just one team of teenage players as a likely spine for our future teams.
We already have the past AIFF Academy players in the fray. We have already started the next age-group team, which has boys born in 2003/04. The process will go on.
– Courtesy of AIFF media
Also Read: AFC U16 Championship: India qualifies for Quarterfinal for first time in 16 years
Also Read: India set to travel China for the first time ever to play an International friendly
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…