AIFF and Ryan Group Launch School Football Initiative in India
Introduction of the School Grassroots Football Programme
On August 3, 2026, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Ryan Group of Institutions inaugurated the School Grassroots Football Programme at the Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. This initiative marks a significant advancement in their collaboration aimed at establishing structured football and futsal training in schools throughout India.
Details of the Partnership
This programme is a continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on February 18, 2026, where AIFF pledged to offer technical support for organized football and futsal initiatives within the Ryan school network. In return, the Ryan Group committed to facilitating the education of players at the FIFA-AIFF Talent Academies located in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar. Following the MoU, Ryan Group coaches in Delhi and Bengaluru successfully completed AIFF's coaching education and certification programme, equipping them to implement the new football and futsal curriculum in schools. During the launch event, AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan awarded certificates to the certified coaches and officially introduced the Sports Curriculum alongside Ryan Pinto, CEO of the Ryan Group.
Programme Implementation and Goals
The School Grassroots Football Programme is set to be implemented in 25 Ryan Group schools across 10 cities during the 2026-27 academic year. This initiative aims to provide structured, age-appropriate football and futsal coaching to thousands of students, facilitated by AIFF-certified coaches. The goal is to weave football into the educational framework while establishing long-term development pathways for young athletes through a standardized curriculum and organized training settings.
Strengthening Grassroots Football
This partnership is part of AIFF's ongoing mission to enhance grassroots football by increasing structured participation at the school level. The programme not only focuses on football coaching but also emphasizes futsal development and encourages girls' football, instilling values such as teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness among students.
Vision for the Future of Indian Football
AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan remarked, "Grassroots development is the cornerstone for the future of Indian football. This collaboration with the Ryan Group ensures that qualified, certified coaches deliver quality football education directly in schools. Today's launch across 10 cities represents a crucial step in bringing the sport closer to young students across the nation."
Ryan Pinto, CEO of the Ryan Group, added, "This programme embodies our dedication to comprehensive education, where sports are as essential as academics. Our partnership with AIFF has enabled us to provide globally aligned football and futsal training to our students. Expanding to 25 schools in 10 cities this academic year is merely the beginning of a broader vision for football in our educational institutions."