JOIN USFootball coaching clinics and academies organised by elite European clubs have been a regular feature in India since the past few years. While Mumbai and Pune boast about the Manchester United Soccer School and the Liverpool International Academy respectively, Bengaluru has seen a number of short term clinics being conducted by Inter Milan, Arsenal and Boca Juniors.
In one such initiative, the Manchester City Football Academy started their two-day football clinic here on Thursday. Held at the Mallya Aditi International School, the clinic will see around 150 kids turn up, were they will taught the basic tricks by the coaches from the academy. “We are here to create a good environment for the kids in which they can play and flourish,” said Andy Smith, technical director of coaching at the academy.
“This is the second time that City has come to India for a football clinic. We know that people here love their football and the children here are keen to learn the sport. We see a limitless potential here,” he added.
Though the UEFA ‘A’ license coach was quick to dismiss any plans of a residential academy in the country. “Theses clinics are short term programmes and for now there no discussion on setting up an academy in India. We are working on our latest addition in Melbourne,” he concluded.