KOCHI: AC Milan will launch the Italian club’s international football academy in Kozhikode, Kerala in the first week of September. “Phase one” of the programe will see AC Milan Football Academies simultaneously opening in Ernakulam and Malappuram districts.
Academies in Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod districts will reportedly mark phase two of the project.
According to Times of India, former Italian captain Franco Baresi will be flying to India for the launch function in Kozhikode.
Kozhikode-based Calicut Sports City LLP are Milan’s local partners in the project, TOI further reports.
Alessandro Gianni, manager of international academies for the Serie A giants, had recently paid a visit to India to decide suitable places to launch the academies.
During his visit Gianni reportedly took a particular note of the football craze in Kerala.
The club will train young players between ages 5-16 for which renowned grassroot coaches will land in the country. Besides talented youngsters will also get a taste of the main academy of the club located in Milan.
The trials for recruitment at the academies will begin soon after they begin operation in September.
