New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Monday received a boost after the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) promised to offer jobs to footballers recommended by the state associations.
During the AIFF's AGM, SSCB said that besides job it would also allow state associations to use their infrastructure for training purposes.
"The SSCB has promised us that it would give jobs to footballers, above the age of 19, who are recommended by the state associations. It will be a great boost for the next generation of footballers. A secured life will allow youngsters to take up the sport professionally," AIFF vice-president Subrata Dutta told IANS.
"SSCB has also promised to allow state associations use their infrastructure for the purpose of training," Dutta added.
The AGM was chaired by AIFF president Praful Patel, who again stressed the need for having a sound development programme at the grassroots.
"We need to have a comprehensive Youth Development Programme which would guide us in the right direction. The regional and the elite academies are going as per schedule. Coach Education stays an integral part of the Curriculum," he said.
"(The year) 2011 was an eventful year for Indian football. Besides India winning the SAFF Championship, the U-16 boys made it to the final phase of the AFC U-16 in Tashkent, which is commendable indeed. I also congratulate the U-13 girls for winning the AFC U-13 Football Tournament in Colombo recently," Patel added.
AIFF secretary general Kushal Kushal Das also said that a new U-19/20 National Level tournament would be held every season from now on.
FIFA development officer Shaji Prabhakaran made a presentation titled 'Performance' which stressed on Professional Football Management during the AGM.
A minute's silence was also observed prior to the start of the meeting in memory of former internationals and administrators -- Sailendra Nath Manna, K.V. Varadraj, A.S. Firoze, M.A. Sattar, Bobby Hamilton, Arjun Bikram Shah and Ejaz Hussain, all of whom passed away. (IANS)
