Former India star Jo Paul Ancheri agreed to an offer by the Andaman & Nicobar Sports and Youth Affairs directorate to spot and train talented youth footballers.

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands had another disasterous Santosh Trophy qualifying campaign conceding 44 goals in just four matches. The Andaman & Nicobar authorities felt the need to change the fortunes of football on the island and approached the AFC ‘B’ licence holder from Kerala.

Ancheri will take care of young footballers in the Under-14 and Under-17 age groups. “The Andaman & Nicobar Sports Department is serious about developing a good football team,” Ancheri told The New Indian Express.

“The primary task is to select around 50 youngsters. There will be a two-week camp at the beginning and the list will be later pruned to around 30 for a more intensive training programme during the summer. Their immediate target is to do well in the Subroto Mukherji Cup next season.”

Ancheri has already started his work in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands two months ago while conducting trials at Port Blair. He is currently spotting talent at a camp conducted at the John Richardson Stadium, Car Nicobar.