Indian International Santosh Kashyap to start Santosh Kashyap Soccer Schools in Mumbai
Former Indian National Team player and AFC Pro License holder Mr Santosh Kashyap is set to embark on a new journey with the inauguration of Santosh Kashyap Soccer Schools in Mumbai and nearby areas.
With a vision to accelerate the growth of football in India, Coach Santosh is determined to uplift juniors and players who are 16 and above. Kashyap has previously coached elite teams such as Mohun Bagan, Mahindra United, Northeast United FC amongst many others.
Team FootballCounter went up and close with Mr. Kashyap and former Mahindra United player and General Manager of Santosh Kashyap Soccer Schools Mr. Leon D’Souza to understand the road that lies ahead:
EXCERPTS:
What is the mission and vision of Santosh Kashyap Soccer Schools?
Santosh Kashyap: Ever since the closure of clubs like ONGC, Air India, Mahindra United, I have witnessed a huge gap in proper opportunities for players. There are a lot of talented youngsters vying for an opportunity to showcase their talent. My vision for the Santosh Kashyap Soccer Schools is to provide a platform for young players and footballers who are 16 and above. I want to groom these players and help them achieve their goal of attaining professional contracts at elite clubs. The academy will cater from U-8 to Senior players. We will also have a scheme for underprivileged children who don’t have the resources to pursue football. I want to start from Mumbai and later grow the academy to various other parts in India.
What is your thought about the current scenario of Indian football and the scope for young players?
Santosh Kashyap: If you would have asked me the same question 10 years prior, my answer would have been sceptical. But now, with the advent of Indian Super League and various other initiatives, Indian football is headed towards the right path. Young players have a great scope but they require proper guidance and facilities to excel.
What are the aspects that young players are required to focus on?
Santosh Kashyap: Not only are the players required to focus on the physical aspect, but they must train their mind. Decision making in football is imperative. Good coaching comes next. The dropout ratio in sports worldwide is from 11-14 years. That is the age-group one must be looking at. For an amateur to become a professional, there are various aspects which require steady focus, I’ve just quoted some of them.
What are the facilities Santosh Kashyap Soccer Schools is aiming to provide?
Santosh Kashyap: The Coaching methodology will involve latest practices with state of the art facilities. I hope my experience of coaching elite football teams will come handy as I embark on this new journey to train the next generation of Indian footballers.
Leon D’Souza: When I was representing Mahindra United, Santosh sir was the Head of Youth Development at the club. I’ve seen him groom players and make them big names in Indian football. Under his fruitful guidance, around 50 footballers went on to represent the National team. I was fortunate to train under Santosh sir and am very upbeat about the possibilities and the scope for Santosh Kashyap Soccer Schools.
Can Santosh Kashyap Soccer Schools be a bridge for an amateur player to attain a professional contract?
Leon D’Souza: Having played 5 years under Santosh Kashyap sir, I can vouch that he is one of the finest coaches in the country to develop young players. Players in Mumbai are deprived of professional training. With the closure of several teams, players lack opportunities. Footballers go outside the state to find teams. I faced the same problem. After Mahindra United had shut shop, I went to New Delhi and represented Simla Young’s in the 2nd Division League. Santosh Kashyap Soccer Schools will bridge this gap.
Another opportunity which I see in our academy is a professional training regime for players who are 16 and above. Our coaching methodology is based on Spanish and Dutch philosophy. With the inception of Santosh Kashyap Soccer Schools, I firmly believe this to be a great platform for Youngsters starting from Mumbai to all the other states.
How difficult is it to commence training amidst COVID-19 pandemic?
Santosh Kashyap: Safety is of utmost importance. We don’t want to rush. But at the same time, I truly believe we need to take precautions and slowly start our daily activities. Building the immunity system should be a priority and we need to train physically and mentally to live a healthy life.
Santosh Kashyap Soccer Schools is set to be inaugurated in early 2021. The venues are in the final process.
REGISTRATION LINK!
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: We need to be prepared for everything- Sankarlal Chakraborty
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of 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…
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…
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…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
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…
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…