'Vision Indian Project' to roll out in Kerala, TN

Kochi, Apr 3 (UNI) As part of its programme to promote football in Asian countries, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will implement the 'Vision India Project' in Kerala.

Talking to newspersons here today, Vision Asia Acting Director Brendan Menton said the AFC had selected Kerala and Tamil Nadu under this project, spanning ten years, considering the rich soccer talent in the two states.

He said a five-member delegation of the confederation would hold discussions with the district and state football officials to chalk out a draft plan and execute the project.

He said AFC would focus on grass-root football development in schools, education of coaches, training of referees and administration of football clubs and associations.

The project would reach the implementation stage in ten weeks time, he said.

He informed that the long-term project would be implemented in the football-rich states of Manipur and New Delhi also.

On Indian football, Mr Menton said the standard of the Indian football was low and the gap with the international football should be bridged with strategic planning.

He said the system in India lacked infrastructure and money to promote the game.

Reiterating the importance of grass-root development, Mr Menton said children in the age-group of 10 to 12 should be given technical training to hone them into professional players of tomorrow.

UNI