The Gaurs unite in building the Grassroots ecosystem of India
FC Goa make baby steps in leveraging the maximum out of the RP Leipzig partnership as they launch FC Soccer camp a distinct grassroots development program.
The millennial generation’s coming-of-age coincided with massive growth in the sports industry. Generation Z—born between 1995 and 2012—they are redefining political movements, religion, popular culture, social distancing and more. According to a 2019 Bloomberg report, Gen Z made up for 32 percent of the global population, with India’s Gen Z population at 472 million. Approximately a majority of men age 13 to 21 (52%) already spend more time following non-traditional sports than traditional sports.
The year 2018 saw 48,000 hours of football content being telecast across 136 channels in 14 languages. The football content was viewed by 60% of the TV universe. Of the 136 channels, 67 were pay channels.
The availability of football content on more channels and the regional commentary are the key growth drivers of viewership.
In terms of growth of football leagues, Serie A viewership has doubled in the first two months. EPL is the most youth-skewed with 51% of viewers under 30 years of age. The figure was 43% for the football World Cup.
Sports in India is at a developing stage and needs a good infrastructure and good partnership which will help in shaping the grassroot level. We need to focus on long term goal of strengthening the grassroots. We need to focus more on grassroots development to make Indian football a shining platform. However, in terms of sports sponsorship India has a long way to go.
After the establishment of Indian Super League, the participation level in India has reached heights. For Example: The Northeast is the best case in point. The biggest impact ISL has had is in the Northeast. Every match there is sold out and there are thousands of people outside the venue for every home game of the NorthEast United Football Club. Such fan engagement inevitably resulted in increased interest and the result is for all to see as far as football is concerned. This has also created a shift in the minds of the parents in concern with the career in sports.
In order to build the grassroots ecosystem, the AIFF (All Indian Football Federation) has also started a lot of baby leagues. They are also encouraging a lot of clubs and associations to organize baby leagues which is a positive time for kids’ development in sports. There are many associations who have taken a step in conducting and building a basic platform at grassroot level.
When it comes to sports Goa is one of the leading states in India. Football is one of the popular sports played in goa. It is the only state except West Bengal and Kerala where football has a strong following.
The football clubs in Goa have come a long way from their humble beginnings. Today, the Goan clubs are among the best in the country and they put up strong competition to the big names of Indian Football like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan of Kolkata. Salgaokar, Churchill Brothers, Dempo, Vasco and Sporting Clube de Goa are the major football clubs in Goa.
Over the past year FC Goa launched and ran Goa’s biggest children’s league. They hired first female coach and worked with FC Goa’s women’s team members on gender equality and sustainability in the sport. Through the Premier Skills programme in partnership with British Council FC Goa trained men and women to become community coaches in Goa and North East India.
On 20 February 2018, it was announced by the All India Football Federation, the organizing body for Indian football, that the FC Goa, along with six other Indian Super League sides, would field a reserve team in the I-League 2nd Division, India’s second division football league. FC Goa Reserves and Academy is the reserve side and youth academy system of Indian Super League side FC Goa. Based in Goa, the reserve side participates in the I-League 2nd Division, the third division of Indian football and Goa Professional League. The youth teams, which are under 18, under 15 and under 13 squads, participates in the various divisions of the Elite League. Professional Players like Mandar Rao Desai, Saviour Gama have made their way through FC Goa academy.
On 12th January 2021 the club announced the National soccer camp online program, which is supported by RB Leipzig.
It is one kind of an initiative where children can learn the basics of football in structured manner, from anywhere in the country.
“The overall outlook of the program is to raise the footballing standards in India and it is one of the reasons to tie up with the German club. What I have seen over the years is that we need to reach out to the masses and at the right age and keeping that in mind we have come up with the program which will help our young kids at next level, so that’s what we believe at FC Goa that if kids get the right training at right time definitely there will be a lot of changes in Indian football” said Derrick Pereira.
Derrick Pereira is the technical director at FC Goa. He is also an Indian association football manager and former National player.
During the conference he recalled his playing days for the National team and said, “I have seen my own progress and my friends who played with me in the National team. I always feel that if we would get an organized training system during our younger day our standards would be better (Indian standards). And keeping that in mind we are targeting younger players at the age of six where we want them to get attracted to football by introducing leagues and baby leagues.”
Considering the concepts and expansion plans the club has a plan ready. Once the situation is under control the club has planned to have coaching session with the first team whenever possible. The club will also ask their Leipzig partners to help them out with the coaching and expert recommendation. They also want to expand the grassroot level camp across the country and send their coaches all over once the situation is under control.
“In terms towards the response the main focus of the program is to promote inclusivity and development in football, I believe we had a good response, we’ve had 3000+ registrations. The program starts from 15 February that is mainly for the paid program. The free program which is the access to 20 videos from FC Goa and RB Leipzig that can be accessed by anyone and anytime”, said Sarthak Sharma who looks into the product related terms.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read:TRAU look to return to winning ways against confident Aizawl FC
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
Lallianzuala Chhangte: I wouldn’t be here today if not for the chances given to me by the ISL
Mumbai, March 26: Nineteen games into the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, Mumbai City FC finds itself placed comfortably at the top of the table with 41 points. They are well…
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…