Foundation stone for International Football Academy laid
Bangalore: The foundation stone for the
International Football Academy of FIFA Goal Project-2 aimed at
training budding soccer players was laid at the Football
Stadium here today.
"The academy will have international coaches deputed by
FIFA to train budding footballers of the country, including
those from Karnataka. The training would be for an average
period of two years," Union Minister and President of All
India Football Federation Praful Patel said.
It will be jointly managed by Federation DE International
Football Association (FIFA), All India Football Federation
(AIFF) and the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA).
"It will accommodate 60 trainees with all facilities,
including boarding, lodging, gymnasium, seminar hall among
others", he said and added that the academy would be a
"milestone in the annals of Karnataka state and the KSFA".
Sikkim and Andaman have also been shortlisted for setting
up of such an academy, he said.
He stressed on the need for developing facilities and
infrastructure to popularise football like cricket and called
for support from state governments, private corporates and
various associations.
He said Indian footballers were being encouraged to take
part in more international events and inviting others to play
here to build the team and improve its global ranking. The
focus was on building both the national and lower level teams.
Bureau Report