AIFF-FIFA academy to be launched on November 21 in Bhubaneswar

NEW DELHI: The long-awaited aspiration of the All India Football Federation to set up a world-class academy will finally become a reality in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on November 21, 2023. The AIFF-FIFA academy, to be launched under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, will be inaugurated by Mr. Arsene Wenger, the Chief of Global Football Development, FIFA.
The FIFA TDS is a programme aimed at collaborating with different Member Associations across the world to increase the competitiveness of their national teams. The FIFA has also rolled out its Talent Coaching Programme, with which it intends to provide active on-ground support to the Member Associations.
Commenting on the development, AIFF President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey said, “Mr. Arsene Wenger will be here in India from November 19 to 23. During this period, he and his team will meet ISL, I-League clubs and all those who are involved with Youth Development in Indian football.
“In the past, we have seen several academies coming up in India. Taking a cue from it, our efforts would be to build this academy into a flawless one. We are confident that Mr. Wenger’s vast experience and keen understanding of things would be of huge help in turning this academy into a world-class facility. I personally remain grateful to the FIFA President, Mr. Gianni Infantino for taking the initiative and for sending Mr. Wenger to India.”
AIFF Acting Secretary General Mr. Satyanarayan M said, “This is a giant step towards our long-term vision and investing in youth as young as below 14 is perhaps the greatest start. We will start working on such similar endeavours in other parts of the country to ensure talent does not get overlooked. It is certainly exciting times for Indian Football.”
Mr. R Vineel Krishna, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports and Youth Service Department, Government of Odisha, said, “We are very excited that Bhubaneswar has been selected for the FIFA Talent academy. The honourable Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik, has directed us to provide all support for the development of football in India. We are working in close partnership with AIFF to create the best facilities for our football players.”
FIFA has recommended Mr. Sergi Amezcua Fontrodona as the FIFA-trained coach, who will relocate to India to implement the project and act as the head coach at the FIFA-AIFF academy.
Mr. Amezcua has been a FIFA TDS Coach since August 2023 and has previously had the experience of developing football in China, as the Project Director at the Barça Academy Pro Haikou.
Also Read: Blue Tigers ready in the trench to fight in rivals’ den
Also Read: Joyson Chettiar brace helps Mumbai Ultras with 3-0 win over Soccer Saga
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.
Young ‘N’ Masters Challenge Cup ‘23 – A unique format by Cool Veterans accomplished engaging families together
The central suburb of Mumbai, Mulund, just witnessed a footballing carnival involving families on a Sunday at the Young ‘n’ Masters Challenge Cup ’23 organized by Cool Veterans in association…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Maharashtra Oranje FC, Kalina Rangers CFF settle for draw in 6-goal thriller
In a captivating Mumbai Premier League fixture, Maharashtra Oranje FC and Kalina Rangers CFF battled fiercely, ultimately settling for a 3-3 draw in an action-packed encounter.
MFA Super League Uday Yadav’s equalizer salvages draw for Maharashtra Oranje FC (U23) against Kopana FC
In a MFA Super League Group B encounter, Maharashtra Oranje FC clashed with Kopana FC on thursday, where a 89th minute goal by Uday Yadav helped rescue Oranje FC a…
MFA Super League: Soccer Saga come from behind to win 3-1 over Kenkre U19
In a riveting MFA Super League clash, Soccer Saga FC came from goal behind to turn the tide and secure a 3-1 win against Kenkre FC U19. The match kicked…
Mumbai Premier League: Iron Born clinches 2-0 victory over Sellebrity FC
In a gripping face-off at the Neville D’Souza Ground during the Mumbai Premier League showdown, Iron Born emerged triumphant with a decisive 2-0 win against Sellebrity FC The match kicked…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
DK Pharma and GMSC-MYJ share spoils in Mumbai Premier League Clash
After a Cautious first half, Henjoimang Khongsai’s second half strike put DK Pharma ahead before Substitute Tejas Raut turned super-sub with a headed goal to level up for GMSC MYJ…
Mumbai Strikers and West Zone United Battle to a 2-2 Draw in MFA Super League Clash
In a pulsating encounter in the MFA Super League Group C, Mumbai Strikers SC clashed with West Zone United in a match that unfolded with intense action and dramatic twists….
FC Goa reclaims top spot with a feisty 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC
FC Goa regained the top spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 points table by subjecting Kerala Blasters FC to a 1-0 defeat at the Fatorda Stadium tonight. How…
East Bengal FC record their biggest ever ISL win in 5-0 mauling of NorthEast United FC
Kolkata, 04 December, 2023: East Bengal FC recorded their biggest ever Indian Super League (ISL) victory by triumphing 5-0 over NorthEast United FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight….
Mohun Bagan Super Giant take on Odisha FC with redemption on their mind
The Mariners have created history by recording the best ever start (after five matches) to an ISL season with five successive victories in this campaign. However, Sergio Lobera will bring…
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…
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…