TFA announces tie up with Atletico, ropes in Santamarina as coach

The Tata Football Academy (TFA) on Thursday announced a tie up with Spanish La Liga giants Atletico de Madrid in which Carlos Santamarina was appointed the head coach.

The Spaniard has been part of Atletico Madrid's youth coaching set up.

Carlos has experience looking over the development and coaching of kids of the U-15, U-14, U-13 and U-12 age categories.

Carlos also has previous experience playing as a footballer in various Spanish third division sides. Prior to being a part of Atletico Madrid's youth coaching set up, Carlos has also coached Unión Deportiva San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid) youth sides, a statement said.

"I am excited to take over this new role. I am keen to provide the talented kids the best platform to nurture their interests and develop as footballers and human beings. I would also like to inculcate the mentality and the technical aspect of the strong youth system that Atletico de Madrid has been nurturing over the years," Carlos said.

"This is just the beginning of the vision we have for Tata Football Academy and Atletico de Madrid's partnership. A seasoned coach like Carlos, coming from Spain, will be the perfect catalyst for the TFA boys to take the next step," Mukul Choudhari, Jamshedpur FC CEO, added.

--IANS

ajb/bg