THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

AIFF recognises Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC)

Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC)

We are delighted to announce the formation of India’s premier football coaches’ association for AFC Licensed coaches in India which has been recognized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

In the challenging and evolving environment of professional coaching, Indian football coaches will now be better equipped to train and nurture talent in football through regular seminars, workshops and courses. The Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC) will provide a platform for recognition to Indian football coaches as we develop into a significant stakeholder in the game and for the welfare of coaches.

The Directors of the Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC) consist of:

• Mr. Derrick Pereira – AFC Pro License – Former India International –FC Goa (ISL)
• Mr. Sanjoy Sen – AFC A License – I-League & Federation Cup winner – Mohan Bagan AC (I-League)
• Mr. I M Vijayan – AFC B License – National Observer for Football (Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of India) – Arjuna Awardee
• Mr. Thangboi Singto – AFC Pro License – Assistant Coach & Technical Director – Kerala Blasters FC (ISL)
• Mr. Dinesh Nair – AFC A License – Head – Youth &Grassroots Development – Mumbai City FC (ISL) The Association of Indian Football Coaches will work with the AIFF and assist them in conducting Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Coaching License courses, refresher courses and work for coach education which will help in player development in various leagues and grassroots tournaments.

The AIFC will, in the coming days, appoint members of the association as Coach Development Officers in their respective states where they will build on the foundation created by the AIFC and develop coaching in their respective states as well as the development of a Women’s coaches division which will look into the development of women, youth, grassroots, futsal coaches in India.

Focusing on the importance of technical development of coaches in India was AIFF Technical Director (Acting)& Head of Coach Education, Mr. Savio Medeira said, “A great initiative to form the Association of Indian coaches which was missing all along. Working together in affiliation with AIFF to work on CPD (Continuous Professional Development) programs, having more refresher courses and to keep the coaches updated with the latest know how would be the prime target and focus of theassociation.Wishing the association all success for a long and healthy relationship with all Indian coaches.”

Mr. Steve Cooper, Head Coach FA England, FIFA U-17 World Cup winning team said, “From my experience of football in India during the FIFA U17 World Cup, it’s clear that the nation has an overwhelming appetite for the game with huge potential for growth. During that period, I was fortunate to meet some talented and passionate Indian coaches who are determined to better themselves for the benefit of football in India. Here at the English FA based out of St. George’s Park, we’re fully aware that coach education is the key to advancing the sport so the formation of the Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC) sounds like a real opportunity to take football in India on to the next level.”

Mr. Kushal Das, AIFF – General Secretary quoted, “It gives me great pleasure to note that The Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC) has been formed for the development and growth of Indian coaches through various interactive programs and seminars. There is a tremendous impetus in Indian football especially after hosting the FIFA U 17 World Cup in October 2017 and it is the right time to build on the fundamental ecosystem of football like grassroots, youth and coach education. It is important to develop Indian coaches taking into account the number of new youth leagues which the AIFF has introduced and the level of participation in such leagues. I am sure the AIFC will contribute immensely to this development and I wish them the very best in their endeavours.”

The AIFC will be incubated by Sportinglions Foundation which is a Not for Profit Company wholly owned by Lions Club of Bombay Willingdon Crescent Charity Trust. Sportinglions Foundation will therefore bring to the table –

• Formation of objectives and drawing up of the Charter
• Providing for management/resources required to make AIFC a transparent not for profit body in its endeavour to uplift Football in India

(Association of Indian Football Coaches)