Indian national football team coach Wim Koevermans today stressed on the need to groom coaches at the grassroot level to revive the sagging state of the country's football.
The Dutchman met coaches and club representatives of six I-League teams -- four from Kolkata and two from the northeastern region.
"We must have a strong base of coaches at the grassroot level. That will help develop the standard of football at the age-group level," Koevermans told reporters after his meeting with the club representatives.
He also emphasised on the need to have a proper youth development programme.
"If we have a proper programme in place, we will start getting a pool of players. But again for this to happen we need to have good coaches at the age group level," he said.
Former Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who represented his side United Sikkim FC at the meeting, spoke about the plea by the Goan clubs to have a four-year relegation freeze.
"The AIFF should take a call on it," Bhutia said.
Koevermans will watch the IFA Shield final between East Bengal and United SC tomorrow.
