Tata Trusts today announced the setting up of a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Football here to provide world class training and development opportunities to young footballers from North East India.
Tata Trusts has handpicked the first batch of 25 student athletes, aged 12-14 years through a meticulous scouting process across Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam.
Recognizing the interest in the youth for football in the region, the CoE aims to develop and nurture sporting talent by providing them with world-class coaching, infrastructure, education, residential facilities and a sustainable progression structure through disciplined training and competitive participation.
In addition, the Centre will give equal importance to personality development, communication and IT skills, a release said.
The CoE is equipped with a modern training pitch for on-ground practice, and also houses top notch recovery equipment and a fully equipped physiotherapy room for the student athletes.
Tata Trusts has collaborated with the Government of Mizoram, the Mizoram Football Association, the Aizawl Diocesan Education Society, the Northeast Initiative Development Agency, and Mizoram Police for the on-ground implementation of the CoE.
Biswanath Sinha, Zonal Head East & North East, Tata Trusts said, "The mission is to create not just international quality players but responsible citizens who are connected to the community and who will engender change both on the pitch and off it. The CoE will prove to be a game changer for young talent in the Northeastern region of India."
Colm Joseph Toal, who was technical director for All India Football Federation (AIFF) during 2007-2014, will be joining the CoE as the Head Coach from May.
Currently, the young players will be coached under the expert guidance of Senior Assistant Coach Bitan Singh, who has been instrumental in spotting talented players. Bitan Singh has worked extensively with young talents over the years and had recently led the Minerva Punjab U-16 team to U-16 I-League glory in 2017.
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