Former football stars attend AIFF workshop

Several former football stars came together at a workshop conducted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) here on Thursday.

Richard Hood, Head of AIFF Youth Development, conducted the workshop which was attended by Bhaichung Bhutia, I.M. Vijayan, Joe Paul Ancheri, Renedy Singh, Bruno Coutinho, Subrata Paul, Godfrey Pereira, Syed Shabbir Pasha, Sukhwinder Singh and Derrick Pereira. AIFF Technical Director Scott O'Donell and Savio Medeira were also present.

Former India skipper Bhutia, also presently the Chairman of the AIFF Technical Committee said in a release: "I think this is the first of its kind. The right synergy of professionals from AIFF and the professional players who have played the game can bring a change in the future. I think this sort of meetings must happen quite often for exchange of ideas."

IM Vijayan, touted as the 'best player of his generation' by critics said: "Sharing our experiences on such a forum is really an experience for us and this must take place more than once."

Sukhwinder, the coach who led India to the famous World Cup qualifier win against the United Arab Emirates in 2001 said: "The passion and culture is very much existent in the country. The necessity of the hour is to mould all into the system."

Derrick Pereira stated: "Richard's presentation was an exuberant one and the data clearly shows that we also can implement this in our country."

"It's good that the AIFF is trying to get the former players involved into the system. We will be able to share our experience at the grassroots and at the youth level along with helping the National Team," former India captain Bruno Coutinho stated.

Joe Paul Ancheri, a versatile player during his playing days said: "We need to get deep into the rural areas. It's time to implement the ideas."

--IANS

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