Newly formed Guwahati FC has tied up with Delhi-based Anglian Management Group and Brazil's Clube Atletico Paranaense to set up the first international football Academy in North-East India.
The Academy, which is expected to open later this year, plans to train 100 elite youth footballers in various age groups each in the next three years as well as run programmes aimed at attracting youngsters to the sport.
The training will be done under the supervision of CAP's Brazilian coaches who, in addition to making regular visits to Guwahati, will also train Guwahati FC coaches at the CAP-owned facilities in Curitiba, Brazil, a release said today.
Most of the ground work for setting up of the academy, including identification of facilities, finalisation of full-sized pitches, practice areas, lecture theaters and classrooms, changing rooms, gym, canteen, entertainment and requisite medical facilities, have already been done.
Guwahati FC, which was formed last year, aims to establish itself by developing local talent in partnership with AMG-CAP. The club intends to leverage AMG's international connections and experiences in managing football clubs in India and in Europe as well as CAP's globally-renowned youth football programmes which have earned them successes at the highest level both in South America as well as in Europe.
AMG-CAP had earlier formed a joint venture in India to help develop domestic football at multiple levels, including the management of young and exciting players, advising Indian Super League and domestic I-League clubs as well as working with players, coaches, organisational staff and other business entities that happen to be involved in the sport.
CAP is currently working with the AIFF to help train Indian footballers and coaches in preparation of 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup scheduled to be held in India. Five of the club's most promising talents showed their mettle in the inaugural edition of the ISL last year.
Guwahati FC co-owner Sanjive Narain said, "We are looking forward to a great working relationship with AMG-CAP as they are ideal partners to help get our Academy started. I am sure the Academy will help our young footballers develop their game not only to the best standards in the country but to global levels as well."
Dhruv Ratra, CEO of Anglian Management Group said, "This (the setting up of the academy) will help in the development of footballing and coaching talent that will in turn help raise the standard of the sport in the region and the country.
