Premier League Partners with Dream Sports Foundation to Boost Football in India

The Premier League has announced a strategic partnership with the Dream Sports Foundation to enhance football in India. This collaboration aims to share coaching expertise and improve player development through the upcoming Dream Sports Championship in Goa. With a focus on grassroots football, the Premier League will conduct workshops and masterclasses for coaches, integrating global best practices into Indian football academies. Neel Shah, CEO of Dream Sports Foundation, highlighted the importance of this partnership in unlocking India's football potential by developing both players and coaches. Discover how this initiative will shape the future of football in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 1, 2026, 12:03 IST

Commitment to Football Development

Hrishikesh Shende, Managing Director of Premier League India, emphasized the league's dedication to enhancing football in India through sharing coaching knowledge and fostering player growth. The Dream Sports Foundation (DSF), which focuses on sports development, has formed a strategic alliance with the Premier League for the upcoming Dream Sports Championship, set to take place in Goa from May 3 to 14. This partnership will enable the Premier League to impart global best practices and technical skills to coaches and young athletes involved in the tournament.

Collaboration Details

This partnership builds on DSF's role as the Official Youth Development Partner of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and will be integrated into significant national platforms, including the Under-16 AIFF Junior League and the Dream Sports Championship (DSC). The Premier League plans to conduct impactful workshops and masterclasses for coaches and support staff at both the Dream Sports Championship and the AIFF under-16 Junior League. These sessions will cover various topics, including training methods, match management, physical conditioning, psychology, and leadership, while also introducing global best practices to the Indian football academy landscape.

Neel Shah, CEO of Dream Sports Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with the Premier League for the Dream Sports Championships. At Dream Sports Foundation, we recognize that unlocking India's football potential necessitates a strong emphasis on both player and coach development, which we have been pursuing through our Dream Again programming. This strategic partnership is aimed at enhancing the skills of coaches and support staff, while also creating valuable pathways for players to compete and learn at international standards."