In an inspiring move for the future of football in India, former Arsenal manager and current FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, will travel to the nation in October. The purpose? To initiate the FIFA-AIFF academy dedicated to U-13 boys and girls.

• Arsene Wenger, in collaboration with FIFA and AIFF, is set to launch a specialised academy in India for U-13 boys and girls in October.
• The FIFA-AIFF academy is envisioned as a hub, drawing support from multiple other footballing institutions.
• The academy is a part of India’s ‘Vision 2047’ roadmap, targeting World Cup qualification and a robust national football philosophy.

The impending project was confirmed by All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey in a statement he made after discussing the venture with Wenger in Sydney.

“I am glad to say that we are on the verge of setting up a state-of-the-art centralised academy in India, alongside FIFA, with Mr Arsène Wenger playing a vital role in the overall framework,” expressed Chaubey.

A major driving force behind this initiative is the combined experience of Wenger and the AIFF team. “With his experience and our industriousness, we aim to pave the way for India to nurture future football stars,” Chaubey added.

The forthcoming FIFA-AIFF academy will not operate in isolation. Instead, it’s projected to be a nucleus for other footballing institutions, drawing support from four or five additional academies. This strategic structure aims to holistically develop Indian football talents. Wenger is anticipated to share further insights and formalise the academy’s inauguration through a virtual press conference in September.

Affirming the potential impact of this collaboration, AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran remarked, “Wenger’s dedication to moulding elite players in India suggests his belief in our nation’s talent. Joining forces to unearth India’s top footballing prospects underscores the professor’s faith in our potential.”

This collaboration goes beyond just an academy; it’s part of India’s grander vision for football. Prabhakaran added, “This partnership is poised to galvanise millions of young aspirants. We are optimistic about discovering remarkable talents who will proudly represent India on global platforms. Our ‘Project Diamond’ is gradually shaping up, aligning perfectly with our strategic Vision 2047.”

The Vision 2047 roadmap is a strategic blueprint tailored for Indian football. Its aim is to guide the sport in the country towards achieving success and, eventually, World Cup qualification. This plan envisages the creation of a national football philosophy in India, based on meticulous scouting data, curating a technical curriculum, intensifying coach and player training, and nurturing a talent reservoir for the national squad.