After inking a partnership in July this year, Anglian Management Group (AMG) and Brazilian club Clube Atletico Paranaense (CAP) are looking to expand their relationship by setting up grassroots and coaching academies across India.
As part of this new venture, AMG and CAP, along with educational and institutional partners, aim to help spot and nurture Indian footballing talent. For the initial roll out, locations in Delhi, North East, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are under evaluation.
Clube Atletico Paranaense is one of the oldest and most respected clubs in Brazil and are former winners of the Brazilian Serie A (Brazil's premier football league). They have one of the best youth programs in Brazil from which five of their more promising players are currently plying their trade in the Indian Super League (ISL).
The club has also just signed a cooperation agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to work together to train Indian footballers and coaches in preparation of the U17 World Cup scheduled to be held in India in 2017.
Dhruv Ratra, CEO, Anglian Management Group said, "Having won many tournaments within and outside Brazil, Clube Atletico Paranaense provide an exceptional role model for Indian clubs to follow. Their experience, infrastructure and expertise will be a huge boost for Indian football in many ways.
"I am confident that CAP's collaboration with the AIFF will provide a great learning experience for our young national football team. I also strongly believe that CAP is the ideal partner to help in the development of Indian footballing talent and coaches at the grassroots level."
Dr. Luiz Sallim Emed, Vice President of Clube Atletico Paranaense said, "Youth training and development is at the centre of Atletico Paranaense's core philosophy - and it is very well recognised even in Europe.
"We have one of the best youth team records in Brazil, and possibly the world, and we feel our training methods will easily transfer over to India and Indian players. We feel privileged to be able to make such a big difference in India working with Anglian and the All India Football Federation."
Luiz Greco, Director of Clube Atletico Paranaense said: "We continue to be very excited about the footballing opportunities that India has to offer. Anglian shares similar passion and has been an ideal partner for us given their long-term vision and planning to develop football in India. They have helped professional clubs do well in India and elsewhere, and we are keen to partner with them to set-up grassroots initiatives across India.
