WebDesk
India is an absolute footballing backwater and one of the reasons why things here continue to go deeper in the mire is the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) lackadaisical approach towards grassroots development. Can the Premier League, which has been working actively to support grassroots football in this part of the world, partially fill the void going ahead?
The Premier League, the world’s most popular football league by a distance, has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to grassroots football in India through a Community Coach Development Programme in Mumbai. The three-day programme culminated in a showcase event at Cooperage Football Ground, with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen in attendance.
Delivered in partnership with the British Council, the programme was led by coaches from the Premier League, Brentford and Newcastle United, who provided expert training to 30 community coaches, helping expand access to football. Around 80 young players were part of the programme.
“I’m hugely proud of our national sport. It brings communities together and changes lives,” said Starmer. “That’s why the Premier League’s training programme in India is so impressive. Not only is it one of our most successful exports, but it’s training the game’s future coaches, inspiring young people and showing the world what British sport can do.”
Owen commented: “Witnessing the passion for football in India this week has been incredible and I’m sure it can only grow in the future.”
Owen is one of the very few players to have played both for Liverpool and Manchester United (after a stint at Real Madrid) — the two biggest clubs in England and bitter rivals. During his playing days, United ruled the roost. They have become a banter club now, while Liverpool have regained their title-winning mojo. Owen spoke about how football works in cycles, asserting that United would be back at some point of time.
That’s for the future though. For the present, United will visit Anfield after the international break and it needs to be seen if they can pull off an upset by securing a draw.
Follow Revsportz for latest sports news