AIFC extend support for Coaches during pandemic

by Rounak Majumdar August 12, 2020

With the pandemic hitting people’s life at the start of the year, most of us from all walks of life have lost our normal being.

As reported by The Indian Express, more than 555 million lives were impacted amid the COVID-19 crisis. As data shared by the government suggests, an estimated surge in unemployment peaked 27.1 per cent in early May. Close to 122 million jobs were lost within the short span of March and April, according to the Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy.

Just like others, the dire scenario has immensely affected the Coaches. With sporting activities halted since early March, the ramifications have made the coaches struggle immensely to make ends meet. There have been situations where the Coaches are forced to sell vegetables and take up odd jobs to sustain.

AIFC Director @DineshNair74 launches #AIFCforCoaches, a campaign to help our Coaches who have been struggling due to #Covid_19 pandemic

Supported by @sportinglionsfn & @GiveIndia @fni @BluePilgrims @IMVijayan1

Support our Coaches: https://t.co/7jaD7MIkQF pic.twitter.com/nLqpvTlqAa

— Association of Indian Football Coaches (@theaifc) August 11, 2020

Understanding the frail situation, the Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC) took up the initiative to support coaches. They have launched a COVID-19 stimulus program – #AIFCForCoaches, an initiative where they have partnered with Sporting Lions Foundation and Give India Foundation. The main motto is to provide financial aid to the needy and back the others by whatever means found feasible. At the moment, the organization has procured the funds to help 100+ coaches and are aiming to reach the target of helping 1000 coaches from all over the country.

“We intend to support and provide three-month basic supplies to 1,000 coaches across the country. We have also appointed state and zonal coordinators who will identify these coaches,” quipped Dinesh Nair, the Director of AIFC.

Throughout the pandemic, the AIFC has engaged with the coaching fraternity via multiple webinars, video conferences and other activities. However, this initiative has the potential to stem the queasy situation for the Dronacharyas of the game.

“Today we have many coaches who are looking at new ways to survive. The SportingLions Foundation, an arm of the Wellington Crescent Charity Trust has pledged to support a hundred coaches. The AIFC aspires to take this number close to a thousand. This is an appeal to each one of the stakeholders to kindly come forward and join hands to support the Coaches, who not only produce champions but help in creating role models and ideal citizens” stated Mr Dinesh Nair.

The Association of Indian Football Coaches is the premier association of coaches in India. The AIFC is recognized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The Association involves the likes of Sanjoy Sen (Coach, ATKMB), IM Vijayan (Former Indian International, AFC-B License Holder), Derreck Pereira (AFC A License, Coach FC Goa) alongside many other renowned faces of the Indian football ecosystem.

Donation Link: Help Coaches!

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