Football

What is Grassroots Football?

• It is for both Boys and Girls.
• It is simple, and easy to organise.
• It is an introduction of the game for any child.
• It provides children the access to football in a safe, enjoyable and positive environment.
• A good introduction of football will help in the child continuing to participate in sports in the long run.

What are the key objectives of Grassroots Football?

• Attract young players to the sport, allow access to football in a child’s own environment.
• Football for all, irrespective of skin colour, gender, nationality, religion or ethnicity.
• Grassroots football programs target boys and girls through school, club and community initiatives.
• Development before winning: Ensure child’s overall development comes before winning or losing.
• Consists of small sided games and age specific activities.
• Football is FUN. Create an enjoyable experience for kids.
• Football can be played anywhere and everywhere.

Benefits

• It is adopted in all major countries for a long time and has great benefits in terms of player development.
• Countries such as Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, Australia etc. have all adopted small sided games as a format of Grassroots Football.
• Research conducted in most top football countries suggests that small sided games are more enjoyable for the kids and helps improve their technical ability.

What are the benefits of adopting the grassroots football program in India?

AIFF believes that Grassroots Football Development is critical to the development of football in the long term in the country. With this objective in mind, the AIFF launched the Grassroots Development Program in 2012.

Children at this age are in their ‘Golden Age of Learning’ which is why it is essential that the kids start playing the sport early, which helps them give a headstart.

AIFF plater pathway defines that the TALENTED players from the Grassroots Program will be selected into the AIFF Regional Academics.

• Increase participation in sports, more children have regular access to football.
• Widens base of football pyramid.
• Identify talent and guide them through pathway for elite football.
• Benefit all level of the game.
• Develop an affinity and loyalty towards the game, long term involvement.
• Allowing younger and eager coaches to get involved.