AIFF Launches U14 Boys' Team Trials to Scout Young Football Talent

AIFF Initiates Trials for U14 Boys' Football Team

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) commenced trials for its U14 boys' team in Hyderabad earlier this week, marking a significant step in its long-term development strategy, as reported on the AIFF website.

In the past 18 months, the AIFF's scouting team, with the assistance of FIFA Talent ID expert Richard Allen, has pinpointed 207 promising players from various competitions, including AIFF youth leagues, national championships, school tournaments, the Subroto Cup, and open trials. These selected players will undergo evaluation by a panel of seasoned coaches to finalize the U14 squad for advanced training.

The revamped scouting initiative has successfully highlighted talents from previously overlooked areas such as Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Moreover, the AIFF has organized capacity-building workshops aimed at coaches, scouts, and physical education teachers to enhance talent identification at the grassroots level.

Richard Allen, the FIFA Talent ID expert, stated, “With FIFA's continuous support to the AIFF under the Talent Development Scheme, we have witnessed significant progress in recognizing and selecting young players. We are proud to collaborate with the AIFF towards our mutual goal of providing every talent with an opportunity.”

AIFF Technical Director Syed Sabir Pasha emphasized, “Our nationwide scouting initiative is focused on ensuring that no talent is overlooked. We believe that the players we nurture today will be the future of the Indian National Team.”

AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan remarked, “A dedicated scouting department was previously lacking in the AIFF. Thanks to FIFA's Talent Development Scheme and Mr. Arsène Wenger, we convened the first meeting with potential scouts nationwide, which has led to the launch of this scouting initiative. A series of scouting activities have since been conducted at various junior and senior-level events.”

“This is one of our latest efforts to identify young talent. As we move forward, we will adjust our strategies to enhance the effectiveness of our scouting,” he added.