FC Pune City to take over defunct football club's academy

In an attempt to develop grassroot level football in the city, Indian Super League (ISL) team FC Pune City on Saturday announced its decision to take over Pune FC's academy and also unveiled its comprehensive development plans.

The club revealed its plans of upgrading and professionalising the current operations in line with international practices.

Besides, FC Pune City youth teams will compete in various national and regional leagues and tournaments from this year, including the Poona District Football Association (PDFA) local leagues, AIFF U-18 League, AIFF U-16 League, Subroto Cup among others.

In addition, FC Pune City is in the process of building its women's team and has also planned to participate in the inaugural National women's League conducted by the All India Football Federation.

Commenting on the new endeavour, Gaurav Modwel, FC Pune City CEO said: "We are committed to developing football in a scientific and structured manner learning from international best in class practices and methodologies."

"Our efforts to professionalise the sport and provide much needed impetus to talent identification and development will be second to none. This acquisition provides us a base to expedite the process which would have been undertaken anyway."

Modwel also informed that the franchise will shortly announce the technical structure including technical director and head coach of the academy. The training sessions will be conducted at the club facility in Pirangut, erstwhile Pune FC pitches at Mamurdi and at the St. Vincent's grounds.

"In addition to top quality coaching, the club plans to add several other programmes like customised strength and conditioning programmes, sports related psychological development, specialised skill based clinics, basic academic programmes including communication and soft skills to develop young players as well as rounded personalities without distracting them from the primary objective," he said.

--IANS

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