AIFF launches pilot project for seven state associations

All India Football Federation today said that Mizoram and the six provisional venues of 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup would be part of their ambitious Pilot Project which was launched in the city here.
Under the project, which is part of the four-year strategic plan created by FIFA, Under-15 State Leagues will be held in the seven state associations -- Bengal, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Kerala, Assam and Mizoram -- to find the best possible team for the U-17 World Cup.
"But the long term goal is grassroots and youth development so that it can significantly change the face of Indian football. The project has a full support of FIFA," AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said at the launch.

The seven associations would be given one-year time limit and if they fail to deliver results within the deadline, the AIFF would choose some other state.
The AIFF will also appoint two officials -- technical officer and director of operation and management -- in each association to oversee of the project.
As part of the fact finding mission, AIFF and FIFA are meeting IFA's executive committee tomorrow morning and would have a meeting with the government officials in the afternoon. Meetings with clubs, players, media and all other stakeholders would follow.
FIFA regional developmental officer Shaji Prabhakaran said there could not be a better place than Kolkata to launch the project.

"No glory in Indian football can be achieved without the support of the state associations," he said.