Top 5 Indian Football Academies

In the last half-decade, the sport of football is marking its steadfast presence on the Indian turf which has always been rocked by Cricket. It is quite obvious that there is a paradigm shifting which is happening in the indigenous sports sector, as many sports are being presented in the form of leagues like Indian Premier League (Cricket), Indian Super League (Football), Hockey India League (HIL), Pro Kabaddi League and India Badminton League.  Amid such phenomenon drifting, the sport of football is also pawing its way to the perfection in India, having so many international football clubs establishing their local football academies in India.

Taking a cue from European and Columbian Football clubs and academies, in India also, there comes an influx of football academies in the last few years. These football academies are basically undertaking grassroots programs for the kids, garnishing their football skills and other athletic features.

With the emergence of such football academies, it is quite obvious that Indian parents are also changing their perception regarding the internationally claimed sport of football.

Unlike erstwhile, there is a huge scope for the sport of football in India, in the contrast of club tournaments like I-league and Indian Super League which further changes the pursuit of Indian football.

These leagues have started a footballing revolution in India which can be realized seeing the ever-rising footfall in the football stadiums at the time of leagues like ISL and other. As these leagues progress, it carved out some of the best performing athletes who have immense potential taking Indian national football side to an international platform.

Amid such phenomenon, there comes an acute demand for football coaching institutions in the country. As a good football academy not only nurtures a budding footballer but also set platforms for the national team, in this article, we have tried to enlist a few major Football Training Academies in India.

Tata Football Academy, Jamshedpur

As the name goes, Jamshedpur based Tata Football Academy was by the clan of Jamsetji Nuserwanji Tata in 1987.  Jamsetji who was a great visionary who has envisioned a modernized model of Jamshedpur city and sports is an integral part of it, the project of TFA was executed by Jamsetji’s successor JN Tata. The Tata Football Association (TFA) aims to develop the beautiful game of Football as the second religion in India.

With a quote of “Catch Them Young”, TFA provides the coming aspirants with the sports training and medical facilities.

The faculty members present in the academy include former captain of the Indian National Team, Mr. Vijay Kumar. Mr. Akshay Das and Mr. Amey Kolekar are the coach and the strength and conditioning coach, respectively.

As in their alumni list, TFA has given India many best performing footballers who have played for the nations including, Kumam Udanta Singh, Rino Anto, Irfan Khan, and Robert Lathlamuana Zuchhip.

Mumbai Regional Academy, Mumbai

This Mumbai based Football Academy was an initial Regional academy by AIFF in India. Under the leadership of Saturnino Almeida who also happens to be the managing director of the academy, which was started its functioning on the 1st of May 2012.

Following the recommendation of both FIFA and AFC, the plan was finally executed by the AIFF.

In its prolific profile of faculty, the academy has Arthus Papus, former coach at Elite Australian Institute of Sports, as the Head Coach and Mr. Aqueel Ansari, ex-international midfielder, as the Assistant Coach.

Baichung Bhutia Football Schools

The football school came out as an initiative of the former captain of the Indian National Football team, Mr. Baichung Mr. Anurag Khilnani and Mr. Kishore Taid has co-founded coveted Baichung Bhutia Football Schools.

In its pan India presence, the academy has 24 centers across 10 different cities which go as 12 in Delhi /NCR, 5 in Bangalore, 3 in Chandigarh, 3 in Mumbai and 1 in Dehradun.

With a vision of not leaving behind any talent due to economic constraint, the football academy offers 100% scholarships to the needy ones. Out of all 24 centers, Delhi based center is the most facilitated and result giving academy. It is the association of the academy with the former footballer  Bhutiya which makes the academy to stand out as a unique one in India.

In its faculty lobe, the coaches of the academy are trained by Mr. Stevie Grieve, the former Scottish football coach, and Ten Sports pundit.  Besides, in the academy, the Kids get personal guidance from Baichung Bhutia which is a unique thing about the academy.

Premier India Football Academy, Mumbai

Another Mumbai based prominent Football Academy; Premier India Football Academy was founded by Mr. Nirvan Shah. Founded by India’s very first UEFA Licensed coach Mr. Nirvan Shah in 2003, Premier India Football Academy has been providing the best training to the young football aspirants.

With an aim to see India playing in 2026 FIFA World Cup, the academy has been providing India many great footballing talents. Emerging as the sole football academy as a company, it’s a 2-star AIFF accredited academy in India. In its football coaching, Nirvan Shah being himself a FIFA accredited coach conducts all the football events and programs.

Goa regional Academy

Incepted in the year of 2014, the Goa regional academy is located at the AIFF Training Center of Goa. With an accommodation of 35 players, the academy offers a balanced sporting pedagogy to these future footballers. The Academy precisely take care to the nutritional value of their students players and provide them Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Dinner. Boys under the age group of 14 years are admitted for training at this football school.

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.