Impressed with the attitude of Indian coaches, says AFC Pro Diploma Coach Educator Kim Poulsen

The All India Football Federation hosted the AFC Pro Diploma Module 1 coaching course in Chandigarh from May 10 to 19. There were 18 coaches who attended the course and were instructed by coach educator Kim Poulsen, who is currently the head coach of the Tanzania National Team. Kim spoke to https://www.the-aiff.com in length to give us a better understanding of the course.
After a span of 10 days of interacting with the coaches, Kim expressed, “I’m very impressed with the attitude of these coaches from the 1st day. They’ve shown a big interest, as they want to learn, improve, interact and discuss with each other.”
“Pro diploma is the top level of coaching pathway and the day these coaches started with their D, C license was to learn something about football and then the journey is going from simple to complex, it is going from understanding to having the ability to implement,” Kim informed.

The AFC Pro Diploma Module 1 coaching course was held after a gap of six years. In this regard, Kim said, “For a long period it has not been possible to have on-site courses. Many coaches were waiting a number of years to get on this course and we all are happy that we can now have this Pro diploma course.”
Over the years, Kim Poulsen has conducted several FIFA coaching courses around the world. The 63-year-old is also a UEFA Pro License Diploma holder and also a FIFA Technical Instructor. He believes that coach education is not only about football, but also about an individual’s personality.
“Coach education is an important pillar for the development of football. We have a lot of on-field sessions where they practice coaching skills and in the classroom it’s about various aspects like leadership, management, and so on. It’s also about how you represent yourself, convince people, because as a head coach at the top level, you not only have to interact with your players and staff, but also with the whole organisation. It is important for them to get a Pro diploma so they can continue the journey and go for their ambition to coach at the highest level,” he added.

“Everyone is very open and bring whatever they have on the table, share and steal ideas from each other,” he laughed. “They reach the ground very early and when we finish the day, you can see them sitting together, discussing and preparing for the next day.”
When asked to give a message to young coaches, he said, “I like the quote ‘success is a journey, not a destination’. It’s a long life journey. You can use the picture that when you start as a young coach you start in boots and when you end at top level one day, you have nice leather shoes, so there’s a pathway for young coaches to grow your football knowledge in various areas – technical, tactical, fitness, mental and also the ability and capability as a leader to have soft skills to present yourself, convenience players, staff and people around you.”
Credits: AIFF Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Overcoming injuries, Sethu attacker Devneta Roy looks to make the most of life’s second chances
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Hashu Advani Centennial Cup / Local Football
Union Bank of India clinch Inaugural Hashu Advani Centennial Cup 2025
Union Bank of India defeated Kalina Rangers in the final to clinch the inaugural edition of Hashu Advani Centennial Cup 2025
Mumbai Super League: Mumbai Ultras & Waves FC secure crucial wins to shake up the standings
On Day 2 of the Mumbai Super League final round, Mumbai Ultras and Waves FC picked up vital victories against Brothers WA and Mumbai Soccer Prodigies (MSP), respectively, setting the…
South United FC announces Trials for their Residential Academy
South United Football Club (SUFC) announces the upcoming trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held at the Club’s Ulsoor facility in Bengaluru.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League: Mohd. Khatib’s late equalizer rescues a Point for MH Oranje FC against Mumbay FC
MH Oranje FC salvaged a dramatic late equalizer in the dying seconds of added time as Mohd. Khatib’s strike deep into the injury time denied Mumbay FC all three points…
FC Goa break 13-game-long winless run against Mumbai City FC with 3-1 victory
FC Goa defeated Mumbai City FC by 3-1 at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 to break their 13-game-long winless run against the Islanders in…
Mumbai Soccer Prodigies Crowned Champions in thrilling Mumbai Super League Finale
A come from behind win helped Mumbai Soccer Prodigies to lift Mumbai Super League title while a last gasp equalizer helped Waves FC finish runnerups
Reliance Foundation Young Champs crowned regional champions with 6-1 win over Brothers Sports Association
Reliance Foundation Young Champs grabbed an impressive 6-1 win over Brothers Sports Association in the regional final of Dream Sports Championship’s Mumbai leg at the Cooperage Football Stadium on Friday….
Mumbai Super League-Final Round: Nihal Colaco Steals the Show with a Hat-Trick for MSP while Waves & Brothers Drew
The Mumbai Super League Final Round got underway with contrasting results in both fixtures. Nihal Colaco’s second half hat-Trick helps MSP with 3-0 win while Waves & Brothers settle for a draw
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
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…