Football Icon Arsène Wenger to Cement Plans for U-13 Academy during India Visit in October
In a groundbreaking development for Indian football, legendary coach Arsène Wenger is scheduled to visit India in the second week of October. He is set to finalize the establishment of a central football academy dedicated to nurturing talent among U-13 boys and girls. This ambitious venture, poised to reshape the landscape of football development in India, marks a significant step toward fostering the nation’s young football stars.
Renowned globally for his contributions to the sport, Arsène Wenger’s involvement in the creation of this academy brings an unmatched level of expertise to the table. The academy is ready to take on a crucial role in refining the skills of young football enthusiasts and providing them with a world-class platform to nurture their talents.
“I am glad to say that we are on the verge of setting up a state-of-the-art centralised academy in India, along with FIFA, with Mr Arsène Wenger playing a key role in the whole setup. I am sure that with his experience and our industriousness, we can set the ball rolling for India to produce future stars.”
– Kalyan Chaubey
Kalyan Chaubey as well as AIFF Secretary General Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran met with, Arsène Wenger, Mr. Ulf Schott, Head of High-Performance Programmes, FIFA, and Mr. Steven Martens, Technical Director, FIFA, in Sydney, Australia. The meeting was to agree on the cooperation between FIFA and AIFF to launch an academy aimed at U-13 kids. The academy is ready to take on a crucial role in refining the skills of young football enthusiasts. They will provide them with a world-class platform to nurture their talents. will confirm the name later.
The mentioned academy will not operate in isolation, rather four to five feeder academies will bolster it. With a vision that extends beyond just training players, this initiative aims to create a holistic environment. It focuses on skill development, character building, and instilling a deep understanding of the beautiful game.
“Wenger will make an official announcement of the same via a virtual press conference in September, following which, he is set to come to India in the second week of October to work on all other details of the proposed academy”
– AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey
The central U-13 football academy, conceptualized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in collaboration with Arsène Wenger, aims to be a crucible of talent where young boys and girls can receive professional football training from an early age. This endeavor aligns perfectly with Wenger’s belief in the significance of youth development.
They design the academy’s curriculum to offer a balanced education that combines sports training with academic growth. Additionally, young talents selected to join the academy will receive top-notch coaching and exposure to cutting-edge football techniques. Moreover, the academy’s educational component nurtures the intellectual growth of the athletes alongside their athletic progress.
“We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming Arsène Wenger to India for this very important project. He is an inspiring figure, and with his involvement, we can excite and engage millions of youths like never before, and we will have a few diamonds who will shine on the global stage. Finally, our project diamond is taking shape as envisioned in our strategic roadmap, Vision 2047. I have no doubt that he will have a significant impact on developing elite players in India, and we can safely say that his joining hands to produce top talents in India means that the professor is convinced about our country’s potential.
– AIFF Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran
During his visit, we expect Wenger to collaborate closely with AIFF officials and academy staff. This is in order to finalize the operational details of the academy. We expect his extensive experience in managing top-tier football clubs and his deep insights into player development strategies. Hence it will play a vital role in shaping the structure and curriculum of the academy.
This academy holds immense potential in the broader context of Indian football. Henceforth, by identifying and nurturing talent at an early age, India seeks to create a pipeline of skilled players who can eventually represent the nation at international levels. Hence, the establishment of this central U-13 academy reflects India’s commitment to its footballing future.
The U-13 central football academy is a milestone achievement for Indian football. It is also signaling a progressive shift in its approach to talent development. This initiative fosters a new generation of football stars who can carry the Indian flag on the international stage. They will be offering world-class facilities, expert coaching, and a conducive learning environment.
“The U-13 Youth League and Sub-Junior National Championships will play an important role in spotting talents and setting up the academies. We want to provide more opportunities to our member associations and youngsters as well to organise themselves for the state-level trials so that each state association can field their best possible team for the U-13 Youth League.”
– Kalyan Chaubey
As the October visit approaches, anticipation is building within the football community and beyond. Thus, the nation eagerly awaits the outcomes of Wenger’s collaboration with AIFF officials. Hopes are high that this collaboration will be a catalyst for lasting change in Indian football. Hence, the academy’s potential to unearth and nurture hidden talents is a step toward realizing India’s football dreams.
