Picture courtesy Hero Indian Super League / IMG-Reliance
Kerala Blasters FC launched a programme to promote football among the children in Kerala. The programme kicked off at the Regional Sports Centre, Kadavanthara.
The programme saw nearly 200 children in the age group 6-12 years from various schools in the city participating in football drills, fun games and activities under the expert supervision of coaches and Kerala Blasters players. The programme featured a freestyle football tricks show to entertain the general public. The Kerala Blasters players also interacted with and motivated the children.
Prasad Potluri, co-owner of Kerala Blasters, said, “We believe that this programme is a great start to create awareness among children in Kerala and promote football and fitness. The programme will be followed by football camps across the state — with the objective of reaching out and training 100,000 children and youth across the state.”
The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) Grassroots Development Programme aims to make children enjoy football and groom them into good players. Each of the eight ISL franchisees have pooled up to Rs 2 crore and appointed development managers, entrusted with the task of scouting and training budding talents in their respective regions in the future.
Kerala Blasters and Kerala Football Association are working together to put together a comprehensive programme as part of the grassroots initiative. Thirty-two coaches from 10 districts across the state attended a grassroots training course to nurture talent in their respective districts. The importance of grassroots football and small sided games and age-specific activities was emphasized to the coaches through the course.