AIFF launches Academy Certification Programme

AIFF has developed a set of criteria on which the Academies will be assessed and certified and the Academies will be given a rating as per the points gained by each Academy on the criteria. The concept stays the brainchild and has been developed by AIFF”s Technical Department.

The Certification criteria will primarily be based on the following aspects of the Academy:

a. Coaching staff and qualifications

b. Facilities

c. Youth Development and teams supported

d. Training schedule, training sessions

e. Curriculum

f. Scouting network

g. Medical Facilities, Schooling, accommodation (if residential), travelling, kitting etc.

Based on the number of points the Academy earns on the criteria, the Academy will be rated between 1-star (lowest) to 5-star (highest). This Certification will be applicable for a year after which the Certification will have to be renewed.

AIFF Technical Director Robert Baan said the process is the “next milestone” in the development of Youth Football in the Country.

“Certification of residential as well as non residential Academies is part of our AIFF’s Master Plan ‘Lakshya.’ It is the next milestone in the development of Youth Football in India. It will give the Academy Directors as well as their coaches a guideline of the level of Coaching as well as the structure of the Academy,” Baan told www.the-aiff.com.

“It also will assist Parents and Players to make the right choice for their son or daughter where and how they can develop their talent and skills. Finally as a result of the certification Academy staff as well as players will benefit,” he added.

AIFF Technical Director Academies and Director of Coach Education Scott O’Donell maintained that the concept would help the Parents “choose the Best Academy for their Child.”

“Accreditation of residential and non-residential Academies across India will not only help those Academies to understand what is required to receive Accreditation but also provide guidelines to Parents in helping them choose the most suitable Academy for their Child,” he stated to www.the-aiff.com.

“Accreditation of Academies will also help AIFF to know what is happening in the Academies across the Country.”

Indian National Team Coach Wim Koevermans expressed confidence that AIFF”s new initiative would benefit Indian Football in a big way. “Players need to be given top quality Football education from an early age and continuously at each level of their development. It is hence essential that the Academies providing such Football education are equipped with the know-how and also know what is required for development of players,” he told www.the-aiff.com.

The Certification will be applicable for both residential and non-residential Academies for which different models of Certification have been developed which is relevant to the needs of each.

Image: AIFF