Structured training program will provide us top level footballers, says Derrick Pereira

The FC Goa technical director spoke about the soccer schools program organized by the club in association with Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig.

Indian Super League side FC Goa and Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig have struck a strategic partnership that focuses on youth development, a deal that runs till 2023. The Soccer Schools training program that arose from the partnership has since seen a huge boost in registrations throughout the nation. FC Goa technical director Derrick Pereira explained in detail regarding the program and what it bodes for football in Goa and India.

It is undoubtedly a huge move that could provide a significant boost to developing football talent in the nation from a young age. “We at FC Goa, always look to raise our footballing standards. That is one of the reasons to tie up with RB Leipzig. We need to reach out to masses at the right age. Keeping that in mind, we have come up with the program, which will develop our kids to play at the next level. If kids get the right training at the right time, definitely there will be a lot of changes in Indian football.”

The decision to make it online came into being with pandemic concerns still prevalent. However, it also turned to provide a platform for nationwide inclusivity. “We are going to start the soccer schools online because of the pandemic and we want to reach out to everyone. I have seen my own progress during my playing days and at what age we got training. I always felt that if we had an organized training system from a very young age, our standards would have been better.”

Moreover, Derrick Pereira feels that a structured training program could go long way in improving the footballing standards within the nation. “I have played for the national team and come across teams like South Korea, China and Japan. We used to struggle a lot. If we had got proper training at an age when we were growing up, we would have been better players. Keeping that in mind, we are targeting young kids, aged 5-6. We want them to get attracted to football by introducing leagues.

"Once they fall in love with the game, we start with the basics of football at ages 7-8. It is a structured program. From ages 12-14, we touch on fitness and then after that insight and understanding the game. If we have a structured training program in place, then we will definitely get top level footballers.”

The online training sessions would be novel for many, but the former India international assured that all steps are taken to ensure that the program is conducted smoothly. “If somebody is passionate about wanting to do really well in football, the medium won’t matter. There will be videos which will be shared with the participants. There will be follow-ups to check whether it is being followed properly. We have our programs and coaches in place for guiding the players to follow the exercises accordingly."

The grassroots development all throughout the nation has shown significant progress. But, there is still room to work on. “Right now, AIFF have started a lot of baby leagues. They are encouraging clubs and associations to organize Baby Leagues which is a positive sign for development. We still need to do more. We need to create opportunities for young kids. When we started the Baby League in Goa, we got feedback from PE teachers that they were glad that even younger kids got an opportunity to play football. This is what we need to do with a wider base. We need to create these opportunities for the kids. ”

The ideology behind the sessions will stay true to the philosophies espoused by both clubs. “We believe that training is always football specific. We believe to use the ball all the time, even under pressure. We'll be having masterclasses from our coaches and first-team players. Right now, the players are busy and in the bubble. Once, the situation improves, we will have the players involved. We'll also be asking our Leipzig partners to provide expert coaches to work on this program," Derrick Pereira concluded.

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