Mohammedan Sporting Club in association with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and collaborating with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Indian Football Association (IFA, West Bengal) inaugurated their first Grassroots Development Programme on the Kolkata Maidans on Sunday.

The grassroots program targets boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years and the motive of this programme was to develop basic football skills of the kids using techniques that are both fun and engrossing under the AFC and club’s youth development coaches.

The programme at Mohammedan Sporting Ground was inaugurated by club president Sultan Ahmed alongside Ishtiaque Ahmed, Assistant General Secretary and Mohammad Qamaruddin, Ground Secretary.

Also present on the occasion were Sharique Ahmed, Chairman of the clubs Youth Development Project; Hasnain Ahmed, Vice-Chairman of Youth Development Project; Goutam Ghosh, Technical Director, Indian Football Association (W.B); and the clubs team manager Belal Ahmed Khan.

More than 120 boys played 4-a-side and 5-a-side matches with a rolling substitution system to expand the opportunities for players of all abilities to participate, exemplifying the grassroots spirit of inclusiveness.

Speaking on the occasion Sultan Ahmed said, “We consider youth development as a very important element of our club. We have a set of highly knowledgeable coaches who are doing fine in shaping up the youth teams. Through this programme our aim is to create a new talent pool for future.”

Ishtiaque Ahmed also stressed the importance of grassroots development. He mentioned how this program will make kids enjoy the game at the same time help them learn basics of the game.

Mohammad Qamaruddin said that the parents should take advantage of this programme by Mohammedan Sporting Club and make the most of this opportunity.

Sharique Ahmed said, “Mohammedan Sporting Club is committed to develop football from grassroots and to meet our goal of designing various programmes that will allow children to be involved in the game.” He also added the need for such programs to be conducted on regular basis.

Goutam Ghosh thanked Mohammedan Sporting Club for this initiative and wished the young footballers all the very best.

(Mohammedan Sporting Club Press Release)