India – A Unique Football Experience
My latest professional experience was in India, in the city of Hyderabad, one of the country’s most technologically advanced hubs where all the major brands are established. Throughout this journey, I felt incredibly welcomed and valued by everyone, from the players and coaches to the everyday fans who would ask for photos on the street. India is a vast country, the size of Europe, with diverse climates and cultures, but it holds immense potential. The players are technically skilled and physically strong, but they need to improve their tactical understanding and game awareness. The clubs are becoming increasingly structured, and football academies are popping up, but India needs to take that final step to be considered an Asian football powerhouse – it needs to improve its organizational structure and work on international exposure for its players. This organizational improvement must start with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). It’s essential to establish a strong coaching curriculum, bringing in some of the world’s best educators to train local coaches. Indian coaches are curious and eager to learn but need a deeper grasp of the game and its teaching methods. It’s equally crucial to organize youth football competitions, offering young players and coaches consistent match practice and game time. Senior football divisions also need a fresh look, with the introduction of new competitions to provide more playtime for athletes and foster a love for the game among the next generation. One promising development is the expansion of the Indian Super League, which will soon no longer operate as a closed system; soon, we’ll see promotion and relegation, enhancing competition. Football isn’t the country’s main sport (that honor goes to cricket), but the passion for sports and entertainment that I saw among people could, with the right marketing efforts, elevate football’s standing. With billions of people and a love for entertainment, India is undoubtedly a promising market to tap into in the coming years. It’s also vital to reverse the current hiring cycle and give young Indian players more opportunities, nurturing their ambition and drive for growth. Additionally, Indian players need more international exposure to become notable figures who can promote this vast industry, benefiting not only clubs financially but also increasing the pool of national team players. (For instance: how many players in Portugal’s national team play in the Portuguese league?) To support this goal, it’s important to establish international partnerships with European clubs and academies. Sharing knowledge with Indian coaches and staff would be invaluable, as would offering Indian players international experience through training opportunities at European clubs. From a foreign coach’s perspective, the Indian market is very appealing, both due to the respect and professional recognition given to coaches and the financial incentives, as conditions offered in the Indian Super League or I-League can be above average. In conclusion, the key factors for developing football in India are: Organization + Sports Projects + Marketing + International Partnerships
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