The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) has initiated a Grassroots Programme for the development of football and footballers in India with all eight franchises involved. As a part of that initiative, Chennaiyin FC conducted a Grassroots Festival at the St. Michael’s Academy, Adyar, Chennai on Saturday.

The festival was attended by students of St. Michael’s Academy, Adyar, Bala Vidya Mandir, St. Patrick’s and Vidya Mandir, Mylapore.

There were 400 participants with the boys learning the basics of the beautiful game and also getting a chance to show their skills.

The festival was supervised by Chennaiyin FC’s technical director of grassroots, Vivek Nagul, along with Chennaiyin FC CEO Ashish Shah and Chennaiyin FC Head of Operations, Varun Tripuraneni. They were assisted by coaches and volunteers.

Former India cricketer and local lad Robin Singh was a special guest at the festival and had words of encouragement for the boys.

Some members of a Chennaiyin FC fan club also attended the festival to show their support.

Earlier on Thursday, Chennaiyin FC had conducted another Grassroots Festival at the Gateway International School in Padur with 350 participants.