AIFF launches new talent scouting policy to revolutionize Indian football

AIFF’s initiative focuses on nurturing local talent and expanding opportunities.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has unveiled an updated and structured Talent Identification Program to streamline the scouting process for both male and female national teams.

The initiative focuses on nurturing local talent and expanding opportunities for Indian players abroad, intending to fortify the national teams at all levels.

We at Khel Now explain the new updated talent policy of the AIFF in the article below.

Regional Network for Effective Scouting

The AIFF has established six systematic regions for scouting, each managed by a Regional Head reporting directly to the headquarters. This approach ensures comprehensive coverage and streamlined talent identification.

According to the policy, “The All India Football Federation conducts a Talent Identification program for its National Team Camps (male and female teams) through a network of scouts managed regionally.”

Key scouting platforms include AIFF’s Sub-Junior, Junior, and Senior National Football Championships (NFC), youth leagues, and competitions organized by district football associations, schools, universities, and private entities.

Trials and Overseas Outreach

To ensure inclusivity, AIFF organizes periodic trials in partnership with state football associations, urging state FAs to involve players from all districts. The policy states, “State FAs are encouraged to ensure the attendance of potential talents from all districts within their State at these trials.”

For Indian passport holders living abroad, the scouting program invites video submissions and player information through its dedicated email, [email protected].

Evaluation and Selection

Scouts submit detailed reports reviewed by Regional Heads and the Scouting Manager, with shortlists tailored to meet the needs of the national team coaches. Players are then invited to camps for further trials. “If the player meets the requirements of the coach, the player is asked to continue in the camp,” the document explains.

Moreover, the scouting network tracks previously scouted players to monitor development and recommend them when deemed ready.

Senior and Youth Teams

For senior men, scouting extends to the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, Santosh Trophy, and inter-university tournaments. Women’s team scouting prioritizes the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and under-19 national team camps, which serve as feeder programs to the senior team.

Final selection decisions rest with the head coaches, with administrative approval from the AIFF General Secretary. As per the policy, “The U18/U19 NT camp is a key feeder to the senior team.”

Advisory for Aspiring Players

The AIFF urges aspiring players to actively participate in grassroots competitions, like the AIFF Baby League, and stay informed through state FA activities. “Aspiring players are strongly advised to continuously participate in local competitions… to increase the chances of selection into the zonal/district/State-level age-category teams,” the policy advises.

It also cautions players and parents against unauthorized agencies claiming to offer access to national team camps. “These decisions are only taken by the Technical Staff of the National Teams,” the document asserts. Players must also present original documents, such as birth certificates Aadhaar cards and passports during trials.

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