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Keeping an eye on the Indian Junior National Team's preparation for the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, the All India Football Federation’s Special Technical Committee met in Bangalore on Saturday, July 19.
The Committee comprising of AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das, AIFF Technical Director Robert Baan, National Coach Wim Koevermans, National Team Captain Sunil Chhetri and noted Coach Derrick Pereira discussed at length the path to form a competitive Indian Junior squad for the mega event. However, AIFF Technical Committee Chairman and former India Captain Baichung Bhutia couldn't attend the Meeting for personal reasons.
Highlighting the significance of proper scouting for the Under-17 FIFA World Cup, Mr. Das made a presentation on the scouting procedure for the AIFF Under-17 World Cup Academies which would essentially happen from the forthcoming Coca Cola Cup. The Coca Cola Cup, an inter-school Tournament which would be followed by the National Championships, is scheduled to kick-off by end of July and end in November 2014.
The General Secretary also laid a plan about conducting an Under-15 Youth League across the Country. Besides the AIFF Academies, the proposed League would consist of I-League Clubs, ISL Franchises, invitational Academies, 2nd Division Clubs – all to augment the talent for the AIFF Under-17 World Cup Academies.
AIFF Technical Director Mr. Baan also laid down a detailed plan on the preparation of the Under-17 National team leading to the World Cup. Baan stressed that the Team should be sent on minimum three exposure Tours per year in International Tournaments and play at least, minimum 40 competitive matches in a calendar year.
Rob Baan stressed the exposure trips should be held in various Continents like Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America for the Team to get used to the tactics, attitude and style of play of various sides, all of which would play an important role in the FIFA World Cup.
Mr. Das also mentioned that India is bidding to host the 2016 Under-16 AFC Championship Finals which would help to evaluate the preparation of the Team as well as those of the venues.
The meeting ended on a very positive note with a mandate to meet immediately after the completion of the Coca Cola Cup.
