AFC to launch 'Vision India' to attract more talent

Bangalore, Oct 30 (UNI) Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will launch 'Vision India' programme to attract and encouarage talented youth take up football in India, AFC General Secretary Dato Peter Velappan said today.

Addressing a press conference here, he said that to begin with 'Vision India' would be launched in Manipur and later in Delhi.

Besides All India Football Federation (AIFF) had been asked to identify two more States where the scheme could be established, he said.

Mr Velappan said that the main purpose of the programme was development of young players and the AIFF has been asked to conduct Football Festival for Boys under 12-13 age and impart learning techniques so that they become qualified for Asian Youth Championship. These boys can also get qualified for FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

Mr Vellappan was of the opinion that the quality of players in Asian countries was improving and it had been evident in this year's Asian Youth Cup which began simultenously in Kolkata and Bangalore yesterday.

"Technically the quality of players is now much better then last year. Associations are taking Football seriously and doing their best to improve the quality of players", he added.

"Within next five to 10 years more countries in Asia will certainly be in a position to compete in the International arena with full confidence", he added.

Replying to a question, he said that inclusion of Australia into Asia has been a welcome move since it gave good opportunity for Asian players to play with European players. "Australia is planning to attract soccer players from European countries. This would give chance for more exposure to Asian players to improve", he said.

He said that AIFF has been asked to restructure its way of funding the Clubs. At present it is not in correct manner.

Velappan said that AIFF may start conducting super league from next year to encourage football players in India. "This is necessary and should be held soon since India cannot loose any more time in introducing professionalism into football", he added.

UNI MSP RS TS2011