Suraj Pillai – Leading football development through Coach Education
From leading a Mumbai 3rd division side Salsette FC to three promotions in 3 years to being head coach of Australian 2nd tier professional football club Devonport Strikers FC, Suraj Pillai is now back in India leading a growing change with Football Coaching education in the country
After a successful stint in Australia, Suraj Pillai returned to India and founded the Football Coaches Academy, with an aim to create an educational pathway for coaches across the country. Here the coaches will learn to analyze football objectively and become well equipped to troubleshoot their problems based upon their external factors without any subjective opinions.
Suraj Pillai, who started off his career as the coach of Salsette FC in Mumbai took the then MDFA 3rd Division side to three back to back promotions as the club made its way to MDFA Super Division – Mumbai football’s 2nd tier.
In search of better learning opportunities, Suraj went to Australia to complete his coaching badges from FFA, where he has presented an opportunity to work with Manly United Football Club – Australian National Second Division club. During his stint at Manly United, Suraj was approached by Manly Vale Football Club, to be the head coach of the club. In an incredible season with the club, Suraj incredibly managed to promote the club to MWFA Premier League – the topmost division in the Manly Warringah competition.
Suraj was also made an observer for the Australian U17 national team selection process in 2019 before the AFF tournament. His success with Manly Vale FC didn’t go unnoticed as NPL Club Devonport strikers came in calling. Suraj was then trusted to manage the Australian second division side in Tasmania as the first-team coach as well as Technical Director for the club.
In the meantime, Suraj also qualified as an assessor for FFA-AFC C and B license courses and delivered community coaching courses across Australia. Thus, with experience as a coach within an amateur to a professional environment in senior and youth football and as a coach educator for the past 10 years across Asia, Suraj acquired a wealth of football knowledge to impart to budding as well as experienced coaches across the continent.
Recently in October, Football Coaches Academy had successfully conducted the Senior Football Foundation Course – aimed at working on the performance phase of the game for coaches dealing with 18+ age players. Talking about his reason to start such programs, Suraj Pillai explained, “Having traveled across the world – coaching teams, players and coaches – from amateur to professional environments, and having sat in different classrooms with some of the top coach educators in Asia as well as Europe, I finally decided to start my own coach education firm, where I have the freedom to design courses to get the best out of football coaches.”
The event had an excellent turnout from across the country, acknowledging the hunger to learn within participating coaches, Suraj added, “I’m glad to see hungry coaches reciprocating in a very competent manner when it comes to gaining knowledge. Since these courses are not affiliated, the only reason coaches come down is for self-improvement and it is a very rewarding experience.”
Suraj plans to continue these education programs and his Football Coaches Academy has planned the next course to be conducted in January 2022. This time the course would be based around youth football and the content will be designed for coaches working with players aged 13-18. Details will be available on www.thefootballcoachesacademy.com
While it is a universally agreed belief that a country’s football development happens through its grassroots development, the fact is, there is also a need of addressing the fact that there are just not enough quality coaches at the grassroots level. Suraj Pillai with his new coach education initiative plans to bridge that gap.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Football Coaches Academy concludes Senior Football Foundation Course in Navi Mumbai
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
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…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
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…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
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…