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With the Asian Football Confederation team coming over for “guidance and support,” AIFF Technical Director Savio Medeira feels Futsal in India will soon catch the imagination of all. In an interview, he speaks at length about the AFC support, the coach education programmes involved, pilot projects, women’s Futsal and much more. EXCERPTS:
The AFC Futsal Team had come visiting early last month. What next?
The visit of the AFC contingent was immensely helpful. WE need to thank them for all their guidance and support. Since then, we have had a detailed study on their report and have kicked-off the groundwork immediately. We have already met different stakeholders and the work is going on as per the plan.
What is the plan?
Unless you have quality coaches in the country, your project can’t sustain. Our first plan is to organise two Coach Education Programs in November followed by another two in December this year. We’ll have the first two courses in Mumbai and Mizoram respectively. We’re pondering over holding the next two in Delhi and Goa probably.
Is AFC going to play a key part in these programs?
Absolutely. I would like to mention that in a calendar year, every National Federation has to submit their Futsal plan within the month of June. After the 4-day Futsal Workshop across India, AFC official Ali made a special request to the authoritative body to consider India’s case separately. Hence, we got the nod to hold the Coach Education Programs where AFC Instructors will be present by themselves to hone our coaches’ skills.
When can we expect our first ‘official’ Futsal Championship?
Very soon. In fact, we’ll kick-off our pilot project in 2017 itself, probably in December this year. We’re thinking of starting with 3-4 states and maybe the eventual final will be played in the Capital. Moreover, we are in plans to kick-off women’s Futsal soon.
