Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik promises support for Indian football’s growth
Yash Pratap Singh
Naveen Patnaik took to social media to speak about the FIFA-AIFF academy in Bhubaneswar.
There has been a lot of anticipation about the proposed FIFA-AIFF academy ever since the announcement was made. The first FIFA-AIFF academy will come up in India’s temple city Bhubaneswar on November 21.
The facility will be launched under the global football body’s talent development scheme in Odisha’s capital city. The academy will be inaugurated by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on the above mentioned date.
Wenger, who is also FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, will visit India during November 19-23. During his stay in the country, he will hold interactions with the stakeholders of ISL, I-League sides and all the parties involved with grassroots development in Indian football.
What did Odisha’s Chief Minister say?
Odisha’s chief minister Naveen Patnaik took to social media and expressed his happiness over Bhubaneswar being the home to the iconic FIFA-AIFF talent academy. He wrote that he’s happy to share that FIFA has chosen Bhubaneswar to set up India’s first talent academy.
“Glad to share that FIFA has chosen Bhubaneswar to set up India’s first AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy to nurture football talents in the country,” the Chief Minister mentioned.
He also added that the Government of Odisha is committed to provide all kind of support for the growth of the beautiful game and they’re working closely with the AIFF to create the best facilities for the players.
“Odisha Govt is committed to provide all support for growth of the sport and we are working in close partnership with AIFF to create the best facilities for our football players,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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More details
According to the AIFF, FIFA has recommended Sergi Amezcua Fontrodona as the man to lead the project in Bhubaneswar. Amezcua is a FIFA-trained coach and will relocate to Bhuabneswar and will also be the head coach of the FIFA-AIFF academy.
Sergi Amezcua has been a FIFA TDS Coach since August 2023 and has the experience of developing youth football under his belt. He has previously worked in China and also as the Project Director at the Barça Academy Pro Haikou.
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