Sudeva became the 1st Indian football club to expand operations to Europe

by Chittu Shetty April 12, 2019

Through the acquisition of C.D Olímpic de Xàtiva, Sudeva FC became the first Indian club to acquire a European club (in the Spanish League) situated in Xativa, 25 minutes from the city of Valencia.

Indian football has, for long, needed a robust channel that gives young talent international exposure. By acquiring a club that has a 1^st team, a reserve team, three U-18, two U-15 and multiple U-13 teams, Sudeva can now offer Indian players an established platform and gateway to Spanish football that will take them far beyond the current horizon of summer camps in Europe.

This acquisition is not just a step towards making Sudeva an international club but a step towards building a road map that for Indian football to fully integrate with our sport at a global level. Talent in India is ripe and ready for a platform through which they can get exposure to play in world class clubs and teams across all age categories—whether grassroots, youth or professional level.

C.D Olímpic de Xàtiva

The history of football in Xativa can be traced to at least 1924, when a number of clubs from the town played in the Valencian regional leagues. Deportivo Olimpic later renamed C.D Olímpic de Xàtiva was founded in 1932 and remained a dominant force in the third level, successively finishing in the top five and reaching the Segunda Division promotion play-offs three times.

After a brief lull the club played in the third-tier in 1987-88 under the guidance of notable manager Benito Floro. Apart from coaching Sporting de Gijon, Villareal CF and many other clubs in the Valencia region, Floro has the honour of leading Real Madrid to a Copa Del Rey in 1991-92.

At the end of the 2010–11 season, after three unsuccessful attempts in the playoffs, C.D Olímpic de Xàtiva returned to Segunda B division after an absence of 20 years. We successfully saw of challenges from the likes of Atlético Malagueño, CD Anguiano and CD Izarra. On 7 December 2013, retaining its form, Xàtiva faced Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey round-of-32, managing a 0–0 home draw in the first leg against the Spanish giants.

Highlights of the game:

ROADMAP

U13 —–> U- 15 —–> U-18 —–> Senior Team (3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th Division team)

Today, our home is the Campo de Fútbol La Murta, a 9000-capacity stadium.

Sudeva’s plan ensures that a minimum of 30-35 matches will be played by each player, irrespective of which team he represents, in the course of a single season. Not only is this a great platform for player, but, it also allows for an exchange of knowledge, skills and practice at the coaching level. Indian and Spanish coaches, as well as other international talent, will find plenty of opportunity to work together in a professional, structured environment through workshops, training camps and the full season.

Finally, strengthening this channel affords the chance for increased representation of Indian players in Spanish Leagues and vice-versa wherein Spanish players will also play in the ISL & I-League.

SUDEVA GROUP

Sudeva was formed by two young entrepreneurs and longtime friends, Anuj Gupta (Solicitor in England & Wales) and Vijay Hakari (Environmentalist) in 2014. Their shared passion for football culminated in a football training academy. In this short period Sudeva has established Residential training facilities for 140 players in Delhi and programmes for footballers from very varied backgrounds. Some came from a history of neglect and ended up in the juvenile correction system, others were freed from years of forced child labour. Others come from every walk of life sharing a common dream—to play the sport we love as professionals with the dream of one day representing the country.

Sudeva runs grassroots programs for young talent, starting from the age of 9 years, right up to the senior level. Along with a full-fledged residential academy, Sudeva challenges for the 2^ND Division I-League and has teams in all I-league categories.

From 13-24 April 2019, a Team of 5 Spanish Coaches would be traveling in different parts of India to conduct selection trials for CD Olimpic De Xativa in U13/15/18/23 age categories.

For details of the trials visit here: —> Sudeva to conduct selection trials all over the country

Also Read: India to play King’s Cup alongside Curacao, Vietnam and host Thailand 

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