Sports Sudharsan Narayanan Iim Indore

Ashwamedha 2009 Sports

Sudharsan Narayanan

Background • • •

Football is one of the most popular games worldwide and has a huge fan following in India too However this has not translated into performance at the international stage Football needs a revolution from the grassroot level to expand and become a major game in India

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Issues Lack of infrastructure and facilities Inadequate club and league structures Lack of focus on development of youth

Lack of Financial Support from Government/ Corporates Few jobs available for players and low average salaries No Support from families/parents Diminishing interest in sports among youngsters due to pressure of studies Lack of transparency in operations of Federations and Clubs Clubs focus on using foreign players rather than development of domestic players

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Catching them Young Youth Development programs to be run by government and football clubs Government to introduce sports scholarships in schools and colleges to promote football Include Sports as an integral subject in schools and colleges (Zero Credit Course) Focus on education of parents and families to provide support to players Introduce district level inter school and inter college tournaments with winning teams getting opportunities for training Concept of Talent Spotting to be introduced so that clubs and government training institutes can groom talent from a young age

Infrastructure •

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Introduction of multiple training and development centers in every state to develop youth footballers(SAI and Govt have limited numbers)

Focus on provision of adequate training grounds and facilities at clubs and select schools and colleges in every district Focus on building of stadiums in Tier II and Tier III towns to help develop sports including football

Introduction of schools/institutions to train football coaches and staff Introduction of proper systems and facilities to take care of injured players during rehabilitation post treatment Introduction of special schemes for retired players to utilize their knowledge for coaching/mentoring

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Corporate We require stronger involvement of corporates in football Although some corporates such as UB group and Piramal Group have sponsored clubs, we still do not have an strong corporate presence Corporates to take an active position both in terms of sponsorships and in terms of providing jobs to players Corporates to sponsor school and under-14/under-16 tournaments to increase awareness of football among youngsters while increasing the prize money

Corporates to fund informal tournaments to increase awareness of football and to give club players more exposure Corporates to collaborate with government to facilitate construction of better facilities and training grounds

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Government & Agencies Focus on creation of a better club system where football clubs follow a system similiar to the EPL

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Implementation of separate league structure for youngsters where clubs can send youth teams for the league/tournaments Allowing foreign teams of neighbouring countries to participate in special tournaments with the proviso they have to include domestic players

Corporate sponsors to be given tax benefits Implementation of a remuneration policy for coaches/staff/ players with improvements in remuneration for both Introduction of quota for footballers for jobs at PSU’s Introduction of exclusive sports channel for broadcasting of matches

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Government & Agencies Introduction of clear policies for recruitment of football coaches/staff/physiotherapists etc for youth developmental centers

Introduction of schemes where students participating in developmental programs are also taught vocational skills Introduction of rehabilitation centers for injured players where physiotherapists and staff can help the player get back to the game Strong boost to State and District level tournaments in terms of prize money and opportunities offered for winners Introduction of Media Partners & collaboration with international agencies such as FIFA to increase awareness in Indian audiences Implementation of process of public scrutiny of workings of agencies and government to prevent misuse of funds and ensure proper administration

Football Clubs •

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Football Clubs to initiate talent hunting for youth development at sports events in schools/colleges / under -14 tournaments

Clubs to focus on development on youth for future players rather than acquiring foreign players Clubs to enter deals with foreign clubs/corporate sponsors to send players for training abroad and for future tours abroad

Clubs to enter deals to start merchandising and promotional efforts to increase publicity and interest in the sports while assuring revenues for investors and the players Clubs to collaborate with manufacturers to promote sports industry Clubs to bring in a remuneration system of fixed with variable pay where players are classified and paid accordingly