FIFA-AIFF Academy: In a significant stride for Indian football, Arsene Wenger inaugurated the FIFA-AIFF Academy in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on November 21, 2023.The legendary coach, now serving as FIFAs Chief of Global Football Development, expressed his dedication to discovering and nurturing football talent in India, with the aim of placing the country prominently on the world football map.FIFA Talent Development Scheme Takes RootThe AIFF-FIFA academy, established under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS), has been a long-anticipated dream for the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The inauguration marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to enhance the competitiveness of national teams worldwide.Under the scheme, FIFA coaches will select 50 players from across India in the Under-14 category, providing them with intensive training for two years. Out of these, 15 players will hail from Odisha, strengthening the regional football talent pool.Wengers Vision for Indian FootballArsene Wenger emphasised the importance of grassroots development, asserting that without proper nurturing at the grassroots level, the progress of Indian football would be limited. He expressed a dedicated effort to bring out talent and enhance their skills. The academy, born out of an MoU between AIFF and the Odisha government, is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformative journey.AIFF Presidents AppreciationAIFF President Kalyan Chaubey expressed gratitude to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for initiating this collaboration. He highlighted Wengers visit to India, where he would engage with ISL, I-League clubs, and youth development stakeholders, aiming to fortify Indian footballs infrastructure.Investing in Youth: A Giant LeapAIFF Acting Secretary General Satyanarayan M described the academys launch as a giant step towards the long-term vision of youth development. Investing in talents as young as below 14, the academy aims to ensure that no potential goes unnoticed, marking exciting times for Indian football.Collaboration for World-Class FacilitiesR Vineel Krishna, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports and Youth Service Department, Government of Odisha, expressed excitement at Bhubaneswar being chosen for the FIFA Talent Academy. The state is committed to providing full support for football development, working closely with AIFF to create top-notch facilities for players.FIFA-Trained Coach to Lead the ProjectFIFA has recommended Sergi Amezcua Fontrodona as the FIFA-trained coach who will relocate to India to implement the project. With experience in developing football in China, Fontrodona will assume the role of the head coach at the FIFA-AIFF academy, contributing to the ambitious vision for Indian football.
