The long-cherished dream of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to establish a top-notch academy is set to see the light of day in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on November 21.
The world-class AIFF-FIFA academy, set up under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS), will be inaugurated by none other than Mr. Arsene Wenger, the Chief of Global Football Development o FIFA.

The setting up of the AIFF-FIFA academy is a significant stride towards nurturing football talent in India. The academy is part of FIFA's TDS, an initiative aimed at bolstering the competitiveness of national teams by collaborating with various Member Associations worldwide.
The FIFA TDS is an international initiative designed to uplift the standard of football by working closely with different Member Associations. The scheme is not just about setting up academies but also focuses on fostering talent by providing active on-ground support.
Alongside the TDS, FIFA has also launched its Talent Coaching Programme, which is intended to provide hands-on support to Member Associations. This programme aims to enhance the skills of young footballers, augmenting their chances of making it to the global stage.
Commenting on the development, AIFF President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey said, "Mr. Arsene Wenger will be here in India from November 19 to 23. During this period, he and his team will meet ISL, I-League clubs and all those who are involved with Youth Development in Indian football.
"In the past, we have seen several academies coming up in India. Taking a cue from it, our efforts would be to build this academy into a flawless one. We are confident that Mr. Wenger's vast experience and keen understanding of things would be of huge help in turning this academy into a world-class facility. I personally remain grateful to the FIFA President, Mr. Gianni Infantino for taking the initiative and for sending Mr. Wenger to India," he added.