The Hero Indian Super League’s (ISL) ambitious Grassroots Development Programme kicked-off on Sunday with a three-day Workshop in Kolkata.
The Hero Indian Super League’s Grassroots Programme is an important aspect of the league’s initiative in popularising and developing football in the country. The commitment for Grassroots Programme was one of the key pre-conditions set by promoters IMG-Reliance and Star India among the bidders, in owning the club other than the financial aspect.
The three-day Workshop is the first initiative in the Grassroots Development Programme by the league organisers and is designed in association with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Scott O’Donnell, Technical Director, AIFF Academies, also Director Coach Education at AIFF will conduct the theory as well as practical sessions.
The Workshop will have participation from the Clubs’ Grassroots Programme Development Managers. Each Hero ISL club have appointed Development Managers and Development Officers who in turn will be responsible for running their respective club’s grassroots program and in-school training activities in their city/region.
Piet Hubers, Member UEFA Grassroots Working Group and UEFA Grassroots Panel will also be present at the three-day Workshop as special invitee. Hubers has been a member of the UEFA Grassroots Panel since year 2000 and has vast experience in Football Development at Grassroots level. He will oversee the Workshop and provide his guidance to the ISL Club representatives.
The theory session will be held at Camellias Banquets, Axis Mall, New Town, Kolkata while the practical sessions would be organised at Bidhannagar Municipal Sports Complex, Salt Lake.
(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)