We introduce you to BFC Elite Academy- a unique and highly professional soccer coaching school for children that stands true testament to the Champion team Bengaluru FC.
“Every kid around the world who plays soccer wants to be Pele. I have a great responsibility to show them not just how to be like a soccer player, but how to be like a man.” Pele
We arrive at 6:00 am one morning at the Bangalore Football Stadium, to find a group of eager tods all under the age of 11 undergoing soccer training. Two boys trod in 5 minutes after training begins and are asked to wait at the side-lines as the training coaches will not allow them to be part of the game just yet. They appear to be feeling very displeased at this stage with sadness written all over their young faces. This may sound like harsh treatment for a boy of this age; but the discipline and learning instilled at this young age could transform the young lad into a champion of the future.
The Academy
The BFC Elite Club Academy was founded in 2013 and is headed by Richard Hood, a UEFA ‘B’ and AFC ‘A’ licenced coach. The Academy is a non-residential Player development program and was started with the aim of bringing through the best local talent who could be future players for the Bengaluru FC Team.
The program is highly professional, comprehensive and structured with the focus to train kids from the grass-roots level. Training is imparted for the age groups of under 13, 15, 17 and 19 levels and they plan to start sessions for the under 7, 9 and 11 age groups as well.
Children from varied backgrounds, local neighbourhood and schools who have an interest and potential talent in the game are part of the academy and no bias exists for selection criteria except the love and interest for the game.
Training includes optimal development of the technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of the game in line with the best practices in the world. The BFC Elite Academy stands true testament to the professional route to football that makes Bengaluru FC a champion side.
For further details on the BFC Elite Academy you can contact the Bengaluru Football Club on +91-80-32997282 or by email on contact@bengalurufc.com
Photos by Nirzar Pangarkar
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