Southampton FC on Thursday announced a landmark partnership with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) aimed at developing a grassroots coaching system in India.
The move will see the Premier League club support coaches and players across India with access to Southampton FC’s Academy Performance Plan and Player Development Camps, offering them the chance to “experience and learn The Southampton Way through our academy coaching framework”.
Bhaichung Bhutia is considered one of the greatest footballers of India, captaining the national team for over 10 years, and being the first Indian footballer to play in England. His reputable football schools, now provide football delivery and pathways for 1000’s of players across India, proving to be the largest football academy in India.
We’re really looking forward to working closely with BBFS, to not only have an impact on their coaches and players, but to help have a wider impact on the Indian footballing community.
Southampton FC’s head of Football Programmes Tom Grevatt, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools, in India. They’ve already got a great reputation of football delivery across the country, and now together, we are looking to have a real impact on the wider football development scene in India. They’re a forward thinking company, with values and ambitions that match ours, and are equally dedicated to providing high quality development opportunities. We are looking forward to working with them closely, and meeting some of their players and coaches later this week at the launch event at their home in New Delhi.”
Kishore Taid, co-founder and CEO of Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools, says; “Right from its inception, BBFS has been redefining the standard of football education in India. Through this partnership with SFC, we wish to further enhance the technical knowledge of our ecosystem and build a bridge for young footballers and coaches from India to the world.”
The first phase of this partnership will be working in the New Delhi region, before progressing to Mumbai, Bangalore & a wider national rollout, giving more and more people the opportunity to experience “The Southampton Way”.
Complete Sports Solutions India helped facilitate this partnership and will help provide these opportunities for players and coaches across the region, as well as future projects to compliment this work.
