Premier League's NEXTGEN Coach Programme Empowers Indian Football Coaches

The Premier League's NEXTGEN Coach programme recently took place in Mumbai, uniting 34 coaches from the OSCAR Foundation for a four-day training session. This initiative aims to enhance grassroots football in India by providing local coaches with essential skills and knowledge. The programme culminated in a football festival, allowing young participants to apply what they learned. With a commitment to supporting local football, the Premier League continues to invest in coaching development, impacting thousands of young players across the country. Discover how this initiative is fostering connections between communities and enhancing the quality of football coaching in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 17, 2026, 00:24 IST

Empowering Coaches in Mumbai

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 16: The Premier League recently conducted the second edition of its NEXTGEN Coach programme in Mumbai from October 10 to 13, uniting 34 coaches from the OSCAR Foundation for a comprehensive four-day training session at the Cooperage Football Ground.

This initiative was facilitated by international community coaches from the Premier League, alongside Indian coach educators who have previously participated in the Premier League Primary Stars programme. This second edition follows the inaugural NEXTGEN Coach programme held in Goa in May 2026, reinforcing the Premier League's ongoing dedication to nurturing grassroots football in India.

Initially launched as a tournament connecting Premier League Academy teams with Indian youth squads, the NEXTGEN initiative has evolved to include a coach development programme that emphasizes knowledge-sharing and practical learning experiences for local coaches. Through a combination of classroom instruction and on-field activities, coaches enhance their skills to provide safe, inclusive, and enjoyable football experiences for young players in their communities.

This programme is part of the Premier League's extensive community football efforts in India, which have been ongoing for nearly 20 years. To date, the Premier League has supported over 7,500 coaches, referees, and educators, positively impacting more than 164,000 young individuals across 18 states.

As part of its commitment, the Premier League established its India office in Mumbai in April 2025, creating a robust platform for engaging with the broader football community through coaching development and community initiatives.

The week concluded with a NEXTGEN Football Festival, where over 80 students aged 10 to 14 from the OSCAR Foundation participated in football sessions led by the coaches, allowing them to apply the skills and knowledge they acquired during the programme.

Hrishikesh Shende, Managing Director of Premier League India, stated: “Supporting grassroots football is essential to the Premier League's mission in India. The NEXTGEN Coach programme directly imparts our coaching expertise to local coaches, enabling them to nurture young talent and enhance the game within their communities. By investing in local coaches, we can significantly improve the quality of football coaching available to youth across India.”

The Premier League Trophy was showcased at the event, attended by UK Secretary of State for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, along with members of the Great North delegation, including the Mayor of the North East, Kim McGuinness; the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig; and the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, who were in India for their inaugural trade mission. This delegation represented Mayors from the Northern region of the UK, home to a significant number of Premier League clubs.

Secretary Reynolds remarked, “It was wonderful to witness the impact of the Premier League's initiatives in India, aiding local coaches in skill development and providing young people with the opportunity to enjoy the sport we all cherish. The League is one of our most significant exports and exemplifies how UK expertise can effect change globally.”

Kim McGuinness, Chair of the Great North and North East Mayor, expressed, “Football serves as a vital link between our two nations, uniting individuals through a shared passion that transcends borders. In the North, football is integral to our identity. Our clubs represent our communities on the global stage, connecting millions of fans in India to our heritage. Our Great North mission aims to extend that pride and ambition worldwide, fostering enduring partnerships with India. Through NEXTGEN Coach, we can create opportunities for youth, strengthen communities, and bring our nations closer.”

Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, added, “Whenever I represent Greater Manchester in new places, football is always a topic of conversation. I take pride in our home to two of the world's largest football clubs, as well as local teams and a vibrant grassroots scene. It was inspiring to witness this project firsthand and see the enthusiasm from young players and their coaches.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, stated, “Anyone familiar with the Liverpool City Region understands the significance of football to us. We host some of the world's biggest clubs, but the sport is about more than just Saturday matches. It fosters confidence in youth, unites communities, and opens doors that might otherwise remain shut. That’s why the Premier League's work with grassroots coaches in India is invaluable.”

“We are here to strengthen relationships between our region and India, and football plays a crucial role in that. Whether it’s creating opportunities for youth, helping coaches enhance their skills, or simply bringing supporters together, the game uniquely connects people across borders,” he concluded.