‘We aim to inspire with our game’: RoundGlass Punjab FC Head Coach Ashley Westwood opens up ahead of new season

Kolkata, December 8: RoundGlass Punjab FC Head Coach Ashley Westwood addressed the media at a virtual press conference on December 8, Wednesday as the Club gears up for the forthcoming I-League 2021-22 season, set to kick off on December 26.
Sharing his thoughts, Westwood said, “The Club has been thought about and built for the right reasons. Our Founder Sunny (Gurpreet) Singh has a keen interest in sports and wants to create opportunities for the children and youth of Punjab, where he hails from, to play sports. He wants to enable the Wholistic Wellbeing of people through not just sports but also a focus on nutrition, learning, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, and other aspects of wellbeing.”
“The same principles apply to our football team. We want to create a healthy, honest, and hard-working team and aim to inspire young people with our performances and style of play, in line with Sunny’s vision, which includes providing a genuine platform that the children and youth of Punjab look up to, are inspired by, and that helps nurture their dreams of becoming sportspersons,” he added.
RoundGlass Punjab FC’s pre-season training began in October and the team has been in Kolkata since, with the players and support staff being housed in a bio-secure environment.
“Pre-season has been good. It’s a new team and the more time we spend with each other, the better it is. Being in this environment, which means living and working together day in and day out, helps bring the team together and allows us to find out more about one another and understand the character of each member of the team, which is part of our decision-making process. Another benefit of being together is that we can focus on football, as there are no distractions, and we can control the environment. We are trying to keep things challenging for the players and, at the same time, ensure that it is not monotonous,” Westwood said.
Westwood, a two-time I-League winner with Bengaluru FC and seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience as a player and coach, joined RoundGlass Punjab FC as the Head Coach in July. The Club, after an impressive I-League debut under new ownership last season, made a strong statement of intent in the summer transfer window as well.
“The players we have signed give us balance and have been brought onboard for not only their abilities but also their professionalism and experience. I know the players I’ve worked with earlier will do things the right way and be role models for not only the younger players at the Club, but also those at our Academy and our fans. We wanted a balance of youth and experience in the squad so we can challenge for the I-League,” Westwood said.
Millat FC placed in Group D of I-league 3; fixtures out
The excitement in the Mumbai footballing community is high as Millat FC, a local football club with a local history, prepares to kick off its campaign in the inaugural season…
St. Patrick’s High School, Jharkhand defend their Junior (U 17) Girls Subroto Cup title
New Delhi, September 26, 2023: St. Patrick’s High School, Gumla, Jharkhand defended their title in the 62nd Subroto Cup Junior (U 17) Girls Inter School International Football Tournament defeating G.S.S.S Alakhpura,…
Prodigal Blue Tigresses go down to Thailand in crunch encounter
NEW DELHI: India Senior Women’s Team’s dream of crossing the group stage hurdle in the Asian Games 2023 evaporated on the pitch of Wenzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, Wenzhou, on Sunday,…
Mumbai City FC shifts AFC Champions League home fixture against Al Hilal to Navi Mumbai
Mumbai City FC recently announced the relocation of their group stage home fixture against Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal from Pune to Navi Mumbai’s Dr DY Patil stadium. This strategic…
MFA Super League: Group standings, October fixtures are out
October fixtures for MFA Super League are out. Check out the current group standings and brace yourself for thrilling clashes with the new fixtures. As the echoes of thrilling September…
Igor Stimac names 26 probables for Merdeka Cup 2023
Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Igor Stimac, on Friday, September 29, 2023, named a list of 26 probables for the Merdeka Cup 2023, to be played in Malaysia from…
Unlocking Potentials: Insights from the IKF Workshop with Premier League Academy Scouts
A pretty impressive IKF Workshop with Premier League Academy scouts Jimmy Hayes and Chris McGrath was conducted in the city recently, where aspiring footballers received personalized feedback and insights for…
We need to play as a cohesive unit against Saudi Arabia, says Sunil Chhetri
NEW DELHI: Sunil Chhetri is aware of the problems the India Men’s team are facing during their current Asian Games campaign in Hangzhou. He is also conscious of India’s dismal track…
Bengaluru FC take on in-form Mohun Bagan SG with scores to settle from 2022-23 final
Bengaluru FC will travel to Kolkata to square off against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a repeat of the final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 at the…
FC Goa fans eagerly await a season of resurgence and victory in ISL
Goa, September 26, 2023: With the anticipation of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season growing stronger, FC Goa’s ardent fans have voiced their excitement and expectations for the club’s…
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…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…