Football

Age Fraud in Youth Football: A Damaging PracticeAge fraud, the practice of fielding overage players in youth competitions, has been a persistent issue in football, damaging the confidence and development of young players. FC Goa defender Sandesh Jhingan, a victim of this practice, has spoken out against its detrimental effects.Jhingan recalled his experiences playing against older opponents during his youth, highlighting the significant physical and mental advantages they possessed. "I have many times felt that I was not good enough, because that boy was stronger, faster, and more mature than me," he said. "At that age, even a difference of two years makes a massive difference."The negative impact of age fraud extends beyond individual players. It creates an unfair playing field, discouraging talented youth from pursuing the sport. Jhingan emphasized the need to eradicate this practice, stating, "It needs to stop big time. I am really happy that all the clubs and the Reliance Foundation are coming together to solve this problem."The Stay Your Age U-15 football tournament, held in Navi Mumbai, aimed to address the issue of age fraud. Players from six teams underwent rigorous document verification to ensure fair competition. The tournament provided a platform for young players to showcase their skills without the burden of competing against overage opponents.Jhingan's advocacy against age fraud highlights the importance of protecting the integrity of youth football. By ensuring that players compete in their appropriate age groups, we can foster a fair and equitable environment that nurtures the development of young talent.

Indian Football Embarks on New Era with Manolo Marquez at the HelmSpanish coach Manolo Marquez has taken over as the head coach of the Indian men's football team, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the nation. Marquez, who will also continue to coach FC Goa, has wasted no time in identifying areas for improvement, emphasizing the need for a shift in mentality among Indian players.With qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup out of reach, Marquez has set his sights on enhancing the overall level of the players. He believes that Indian players can achieve significant growth by stepping outside their comfort zones and playing abroad."The level of Indian players can be better and can improve faster," Marquez stated. "Everyone knows my feeling - maybe some players don't like - that they are very comfortable playing in the Indian Super League (ISL). They are very comfortable in India."Marquez stressed that playing in a more competitive environment abroad can accelerate player development. "You will grow when you play abroad. I'm not saying the top level, like the Premier League or La Liga. If you play in one division where the opponents are the same or better than you, you will improve 100 per cent," he added.While acknowledging the importance of comfort, Marquez pointed to the example of FC Goa defender Sandesh Jhingan, who had an unsuccessful stint at Croatian club HNK Sibenik. "I understand that life is very good for most of them in ISL and it's difficult for them to go abroad. For example, Sandesh tried to do it in Croatia," he said.Marquez also emphasized the crucial role of mental strength in football. "In football, technique, tactics, and physique are very important. But if this doesn't work (points to head), you cannot do anything, not only in football but also your life," he stated.The Indian men's football team will next play on September 9, 2024, in a friendly against Syria. Marquez's appointment and his focus on improving mentality and encouraging players to seek opportunities abroad signal a new era for Indian football, with the aim of raising the level of the team and achieving greater success on the international stage.

England's remarkable journey to the Euro 2024 final is a testament to a decade-long player development program that has transformed the team from perennial underachievers to serial contenders. The Three Lions are now on the cusp of ending a 58-year wait for a major trophy at the senior men's international level.The foundation for England's success was laid in 2014, when Gareth Southgate and Dan Ashworth unveiled the "England DNA" plan. This blueprint aimed to blend the passion and fighting spirit of English football with improved technique and a stronger mentality.The results have been evident at every level. Many of Southgate's current squad have experienced tournament success at youth level. Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, Ezri Konsa, Phil Foden, Marc Guehi, and Conor Gallagher have all won major trophies with England's youth teams.The women's team has also enjoyed unprecedented success, winning the Euros in 2022 and reaching the World Cup final in 2023."We have long been characterized by our passion, fighting spirit, and effort," said Ashworth. "But we do not wish to be solely defined by them."England's blend of traditional grit and modern technical ability has carried them to the Euro 2024 final. Despite a shaky start to the tournament, they have shown resilience and individual brilliance to overcome Slovakia, Switzerland, and the Netherlands."It shows the more modern England way," said Southgate after the semi-final win over the Dutch.The ultimate test awaits against a dominant Spain side. England has suffered near misses under Southgate before, but the experience gained in previous tournaments has them better prepared than ever."We're more calm going into the knockout games," said Southgate. "We've managed a lot of those games now."England's decade-long journey has led them to the brink of history. A victory over Spain would not only end a long trophy drought but also cement their status as one of the world's leading football nations.