La Liga Academy Expands to Kolkata with Bhawanipore FC Partnership

La Liga Academy Football Schools, a global initiative of the Spanish football league, has expanded its presence in India by partnering with Bhawanipore FC in Kolkata. This collaboration marks the academy's foray into the vibrant football landscape of West Bengal.

The partnership aims to establish a center of excellence that will provide technical support and training to young footballers in the city. The center will initially focus on boys in the under-13 and under-15 age groups, with plans to expand to girls in the future.

The program's primary objective is to develop players for I-League second division, a stepping stone to the top tier of Indian football. Bhawanipore FC will scout talented boys from baby leagues and implement player development programs in schools across West Bengal.

Miguel Casal, technical director of La Liga Football Schools India, emphasized the importance of developing Indian coaches. "We want more kids to play under the La Liga methodology. We will be visiting the centers and giving training to coaches," he said.

The program also includes a pay-and-play scheme, providing opportunities for aspiring footballers to train under the guidance of experienced coaches. Bhawanipore FC is exploring partnerships with boarding schools in Kolkata to offer residential options for players.

The academy's curriculum will be integrated with the Blue Cubs grassroots development project initiated by the All India Football Federation. Step Out Analytics, a football analytics company, will provide data-driven insights to enhance the program's effectiveness.

This partnership between La Liga Academy Football Schools and Bhawanipore FC is a significant step towards nurturing young football talent in India. It aims to create a pathway for aspiring players to reach the highest levels of the sport while also contributing to the overall development of Indian football.

Tags: #LaLigaAcademy, #BhawaniporeFC, #FootballDevelopment, #GrassrootsFootball, #IndianFootball