Football

Calicut FC, a football club founded by Technocrat V.K. Mathews, has ambitious plans to establish itself as a top-tier team in Indian football. To achieve this goal, the club has appointed Australian coach Ian Gillan, who brings a wealth of experience from his stints in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.Gillan's vision aligns with Mathews' long-term development plans for football in Kozhikode. He believes that Super League Kerala is a progressive concept that can foster the growth of local talent. By playing alongside experienced foreign players, young Indian footballers can gain invaluable experience and improve their skills.Gillan emphasizes the importance of developing a strong foundation for football in the state. He believes that the development of local talent is crucial for the overall growth of Indian football leagues. By providing opportunities for young players to showcase their abilities, Super League Kerala can contribute to the creation of a robust football ecosystem in the country.The club's aspirations extend beyond the Super League Kerala. Gillan and Mathews share the ambition of seeing Calicut FC compete in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League in the future. The club's long-term vision and its commitment to developing local talent have attracted Gillan to the project.Gillan's appointment is a significant step in Calicut FC's journey towards becoming a major force in Indian football. His experience and expertise will be invaluable in guiding the club towards its goals. With a clear vision and a dedicated team, Calicut FC is poised to make a significant impact on the football landscape in India.

Prithviraj Sukumaran's Forca Kochi Team Aims to Ignite Football Passion in KeralaRenowned actor Prithviraj Sukumaran is enthusiastic about the potential of the newly formed Super League Kerala to inspire young people to pursue football. However, he remains realistic, acknowledging that significant progress takes time."We're not expecting a revolution, but rather the beginning of one," said Sukumaran, the owner of the Forca Kochi team, during the team's launch event. "We hope this league will provide opportunities for grassroots players and help them achieve greater heights."The Kochi team boasts an impressive roster, including six foreign players: Brazilian Raphael Augusto, Tunisian Said Mohamed Nidhal and Dziri Omran, Ivory Coast's Nangui Mockey Jean Baptiste, South African Ngubo Siyanda, and Colombian Rodriguez Ayoza Luis Angel. Former Indian goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury also joins the team.Additionally, the squad features several players from I-League clubs and Kerala's Santosh Trophy team, such as Nijo Gilbert, Arjun Jayaraj, and Hajmel Sakkeer.Sukumaran emphasized the importance of developing a strong foundation for football in Kerala. "We need to create a system where young players have access to quality coaching, facilities, and opportunities to compete," he said.The Super League Kerala aims to provide a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and aspire to higher levels of competition. By attracting foreign players and partnering with experienced coaches, the league hopes to raise the overall standard of football in the state.Former Olympic hockey bronze medalist P.R. Sreejesh, who unveiled the Kochi team's jersey, expressed his support for the initiative. "Football has the power to unite people and inspire young minds," he said. "I'm confident that the Super League Kerala will play a significant role in promoting the sport in our state."

FC Barcelona Shuts Down Academies in India After 14 YearsWorld-renowned football club FC Barcelona has announced the closure of all its academies in India, effective July 1, 2024. The decision comes 14 years after the club established its presence in the country with the aim of training young Indian footballers in the famed "La Masia" style.FC Barcelona has not provided an official reason for the closure. However, the club expressed gratitude to all the families, coaches, local staff, and Conscient Football, its India partner, for their contributions to the project over the years.The Barca Academy India was the largest grassroots football training and development initiative in the country. It operated multiple football training centers in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune, offering programs, camps, leagues, tournaments, and exposure trips.The academy aimed to provide a comprehensive training environment for boys and girls between 4 to 17 years of age, focusing on developing their technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical fitness. The program also emphasized the club's values of respect, humility, effort, teamwork, and ambition.Over the years, thousands of young Indian footballers have benefited from the Barca Academy's training. The academy has also been an active participant in the Barca Academy APAC tournament and the Barca Academy World Cup held in Barcelona.The closure of the Barca Academies in India is a significant loss for the country's football development. The academy has played a crucial role in nurturing young talent and promoting the sport at the grassroots level. It remains to be seen how the club's departure will impact the future of football in India.

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.