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EPL Shifts Focus: India Coach Education Key
14 May
Summary
- Premier League's Next Gen Programme now focuses on coach education.
- Empowering local coaches creates ripple effects for young players.
- The initiative aims for sustainable impact in Indian football.
The Premier League's engagement in India has transitioned from youth tournaments to a significant focus on grassroots coach education. The Next Gen Programme, previously a youth competition, now emphasizes developing local coaches through initiatives like the Next Gen Coach Programme in Goa. This strategic shift builds upon past efforts like the Community Coach Development Programme in Mumbai.
This approach is rooted in the principle that empowering one coach can create widespread positive effects for numerous young players. By focusing on coach development, the Premier League aims for greater scale and sustainability in its impact. This allows for uplifting Indian coaches' skills and communication, reaching thousands of children more effectively.
The selection of coaches involves partnerships with organizations like the OSCAR Foundation. The initiative is expanding geographically, with plans to reach multiple cities beyond Goa and Mumbai. The Premier League seeks to increase its presence responsibly and consistently.
Historically, over 18-20 years, the Premier League has positively influenced approximately 7,300 coaches, referees, and educators, impacting about 125,000 children. The current objective is to enhance these numbers, focusing on quality and effectiveness in scaling the program across India.
