Explainer: How to become a football coach in India

The country's football needs well-trained, highly-skilled coaches now more than evwr.

Time and again, India has been referred to as a ‘sleeping giant’ in terms of football talent. On the surface, the statement is true, as the country with its large population is bound to have more hidden talents as compared to other nations. But, the question remains, when will that sleeping giant be awaken? And what measures must be taken to turn that potential into tangible success?

India is a vast country where there ought to be an abundance of footballing talent, but more needs to be done in order to identify and nurture that talent into something more meaningful. That is where the role of a coach is vital. India has lacked skilled football coaches at the grassroots level, who can work towards identification of talent and guiding them in the right direction.

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For too long, physical education teachers have been handed the responsibility by schools, who employ them to setup football sessions and prepare a squad. However, with due respect to PE teachers, they are not qualified enough in the specifics of the game. Nowadays, schools in India have begun to realize the importance of a certified football coach with the rising popularity of the game. They are now looking to hire coaches in order to train students.

The tide has begun to change and more and more initiatives are being put forth by the governing body for football in India, the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The aim is to produce skilled and certified football coaches in the country.

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Through its various coaching diplomas/certification programs, the aim is to prepare and educate a football coach in India - organizing, planning and executing coaching sessions, while developing a keen eye for talent identification and staying updated with modern innovations in football coaching.

In order to become a coach, there is a step-by-step certification path which must be taken by an aspiring individual to further their knowledge and career in football coaching. The comprehensive list of all the available coaching courses from the AIFF are as follows:

AIFF "E" License

The most recent initiative by the governing body which aims to impart even more basic grassroots coaching knowledge and will now be treated as the ‘introductory course’ from 2021 instead of the “D” License.

A four-day programme which can be applied to through the respective state association of the candidate and has a minimum age of 18 to apply. The licensing criteria allows one to be certified to coach in golden baby leagues.

AIFF "D" License

Previously known as the “introductory course” in football coaching in India, the “D” License is a six-day programme which acts as a “preparatory course” that aims to shortlist promising coaches suitable to apply for the next step in the ladder, the “C” License.

The licensing criteria allows one to coach in all schools, academies and related leagues. The course has two practical assessments along with a theory exam as well. It is compulsory to clear all three tests in order to gain certification.

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AIFF "C" License

The next step in coaching certificates aims to train individuals in planning, organizing and executing training sessions. The 12-day program is taken in two modules and consists of three practical and two theory assessments.

Pre-requisite to apply for this license is that the candidate must have attained the “D” License and have at least three months of coaching experience. The licensing criteria allows any coach to train school teams and also head national sub-junior and junior league teams.

AFC "B" Diploma

The next step is undertaken by the AIFF in compliance with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and football coaches, who have attained the previous license can opt for the AFC “B” Diploma/Certificate in India. The main focus is to impart knowledge regarding playing styles and planning more team-related sessions with tactical inputs.

The course is completed over three modules, spanning over 19 days in total. The licensing criteria in India allows an individual to coach National Second Division League, Elite and Junior National Football Championship teams.

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AFC "A" Diploma

This program aims to impart physiological and psychological knowledge to the coaches and educate them about the various tactical and technical aspects of the game, improving their management and talent identification skills in the process.

The course is divided into three modules and spread over 24 days. The licensing criteria allows one to coach teams that are participating in the I-League and also the senior teams of states.

AFC Pro Diploma

The highest level of certification one can achieve in India is the Pro License from the AFC which aims to educate coaches in the latest and most advanced coaching techniques needed to manage clubs and national teams.

The program is under review, but is usually taken across four modules. The licensing criteria allows one to coach professional football clubs and senior national teams.

AFC Goalkeeping Level (1,2 & 3)

Every professional club has designated goalkeeping coaches. If an individual is looking to carve a career in this field, then attaining a goalkeeping level certificate comes as a pre-requisite.

The minimum requirement to apply for the goalkeeping level certificates is the AIFF “C” License.

AFC Conditioning Coaching License (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B)

Part of the specialized courses offered by the AFC, the program aims to train individuals in the physical aspects of the game and to improve the overall conditioning of the players. Professional clubs require conditioning coaches all the time to keep up with the growing physical demands of the game and maintain the performance levels of their players.

AFC Futsal Certificate Level 1, 2 & 3

Acknowledging the fast growth of Futsal in the world, the AIFF aims to educate football coaches in the Futsal game to identify specific talents and create a strong Futsal base in the country. The different levels of certification prepare individuals who are interested in this field and impart techniques and tactics specific to Futsal.

To summarize, there are ample opportunities for a football coach in India mainly at the grassroots level, because of the shortage of professional clubs in the country. The development and identification of talent needs to be done at an early stage. Hence, there is a need for skilled coaches at the school and academy level.

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The introduction of new programs is a step in the right direction by the AIFF. However, a lot more investment is needed to create a strong base of players that will finally enable India to fulfill the untapped potential and leave a mark in the sport on the international stage.

Furthermore, efforts are being made by Indian Super League and I-League clubs as well. They have initiated grassroots level programs in their respective catchment areas to connect with their local community and promote the game. This also helps the clubs to identify hidden talents and induct those gifted players into their own rosters and developmental teams.