Aizawl, India

Mizoram Football Association (MFA) is playing a crucial role in the development of Indian football as the state serves platform for the next generation of footballers. While player development has been part of the project, recently the Mizoram Football Association (MFA) has emphasised a need to develop a coach training programme for which Head of Education Mark Vaessen and Head of Scouting at RFYC Stephen Charles have undertaken an initiative in Mizoram’s capital city Aizawl.

Advertisment

Vaessen and Charles have helped the coaches develop and grow strategically advanced techniques that help develop players from the younger leagues like Naupang in the state. Vaessen in particular thinks that these small steps in coach and player development could help India become a powerhouse in football if they keep working hard.

What India needs to do?

“India needs to take small steps to build a big empire in football as they need to focus on more junior leagues like Naupang. There is plenty of talent in the nation and what I see at the moment is that needs to be polished. With Mizoram coaching program we have got the best infrastructure in the house which lays the foundation for smooth developments of both players and coaches,” Vaessen said.

Advertisment

ALSO READ | Watch | Newcastle United and PSG fans clash ahead of Champions League match in Paris

Naupang League - a blueprint for success

Former I-League star Charles reckons other states in the nation should also follow the same model and build junior leagues. The development of such leagues could play a crucial role in getting players ready for future challenges at a young age.

Advertisment

“I think other leagues need to follow a similar pattern and build their own junior league structure. Naupang League has set an example for other states to follow as player development remains a crucial part of the process. Down the years, we only relied on regional leagues but if we can develop such leagues, India could be a force to reckon with in coming years,” Charles quoted as he spoke on the junior league structure.

Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) Naupang League in association with Mizoram Football Association (MFA) currently operates on the football model of European clubs with young players given platform to build. The RFYC through its scouts selects children for a week-long experiential trip to the academy in Mumbai and helps them develop for future challenges.