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Bengaluru FC, on Tuesday, announced the launch of the Bengaluru FC Soccer Schools – the club’s newest venture aimed at promoting and supporting football at the grassroots level. In a press conference addressed by Bengaluru FC COO Mustafa Ghouse, head coach Ashley Westwood, head of youth development Richard Hood and striker Robin Singh, the club laid out the plans for the Soccer Schools, the first of which kicks off on April 20 at Bellandur. The BFC Soccer Schools is the third property launched by the club after the BFC Day Out and the BFC Bazaar.
Designed by the coaching staff at the club, the Soccer Schools will, for now, be open to children in the under-7, 9 and 11 age categories. Speaking at the launch, Ghouse said, “Announcing the BFC Soccer Schools is a very special moment for everyone at the club. This is the first step and we are certain about the Soccer Schools expanding to more parts of the city and eventually, the country.”
While the under-7s will have two batches, two times a week, the under-9s and under-11s will have three sessions a week. There will also be designated days for practice games. Talented youngsters coming out of the Schools even stand the chance to get a look in to the club’s elite academy.
“I’ve come through an academy myself and completely understand the importance of one if you are to develop as a player. It’s wonderful to be part of a club that is promoting the grassroots at the right age and the future is surely bright for the children who are part of the program,” said Singh who is a product of the Tata Football Academy.
Club CEO Parth Jindal said he believed that talent from the Soccer Schools will go on to represent the club and country. “In kick starting the BFC Soccer Schools, the club has taken a very big step, reiterating our endeavor to promote football at the grassroots level. The Soccer Schools will also be a testament to the professionalism Bengaluru FC as a club, is striving to achieve.
Through the soccer school programs the club hopes to mould young talent with the ultimate desire of creating players who will go on to not only represent BFC but also the country. There will be no greater moment for the club if our dreams are converted to reality. This is the start of something that is very close to our hearts and is a project that is going to form the cornerstone of our efforts.”
