FIFA workshop for academy coaches kick starts today

The three-day workshop held by FIFA for academy coaches from all over India in collobration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Goa Football Federation (GFA) began here today.
The workshop which commenced today saw around 19 academy coaches taking part.
Talking to the gathering, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said: "We want to bring up all the football academy under one umbrella and Goa been the ideal place to set up the academy given the logistic and technical aspect, the AIFF has decided to set up all the five academy here.
"With an eye to have a strong team to represent India at the U-17 World Cup which will held in India, we are going to set up two U-14 academy and one U-17 to choose the U-19 team. We will scout players from the Coca Cola tournament organised by the AIFF and AIFF academy boys and give them training in the three academies," he said.

Shaji Prabhakaran, FIFA Development Officer, complimented the AIFF for setting up academies for under-14, 16 and 17 boys.
"It will really change the face of Indian football. Hard work is done by AIFF. Now it is left for the coaches and the players to play their role well and work hard for the development of football in India. Make best use of the three days workshop conducted by FIFA and keep yourself focus in the development of the game in raising the standard to higher level," Prabhakaran said.

FIFA instructor Desi Curry said it's an individual pleasure and honour for him to be here.

"We have drawn long-term planning for the coaches and they should put things in use whatever being taught during the three days of the workshop. The workshop will help the coaches understand the scene that is prevalent in top academies. I myself was a coach before taking over the job of the FIFA instructor.
"The job of a coach is very challenging, one have to identify the potential of a player and nurture them and the players should put thing into practice and learn the values and vision to become a better footballer. Now boys, the future is yours, it is left for you to learn and put things into practice what the coaches teach you to become a better footballer. There is co-operation and collaboration from all partners and representatives from the federation, local government and ministers which is great to see," Curry said.

The Workshop - a FIFA initiative happening for the first time in India - will aim to enlighten the coaches on the latest philosophies followed across top academies in Europe.