Graduation for Chandigarh’s seasoned football coach

In his illustrious career spanning over 16 years as head coach of St Stephen’s Football Club,Surinder Singh,the globetrotting coach,has worked with players from every age category. However,nothing gives him more satisfaction than watching young,aspiring players taking their first step in the sport. However,that doesn’t mean Surinder doesn’t want to coach big,established names. His recent achievement,when he cleared AFC A-licence coaching course conducted by All India Football Federation in Mumbai,shows he has big plans for the future. The AFC A-licence enables Surinder to take charge of a team in I-League. Having worked with Pailan Arrows as assistant coach two years ago,Surinder knows the demands of taking charge of a professional club. “I don’t think I am ready for I-League at this moment. Right now,I want to work with youth teams and gain experience. I wouldn’t mind working with Pailan again and then see what I can do,” shared Surinder. But Surinder is focused on the present,and how he can contribute in the development of football in India. “I had recently conducted the AIFF Grassroots Football Programme Course in Chandigarh. My aim is to improve football at the grassroot level and I am constantly striving to achieve my dreams,” said the coach. Earning the licence was not an easy task. In fact,during the 28-day course that was conducted by AIFF Technical Director Robert Baan,a total of 24 coaches,who had completed B-licence,appeared for the exam and only six,including Surinder,cleared the test.

AFC Diploma on mind

“The course included practical and theory sessions. We had to go through three practical exams,two theory exams and also prepare a dissertation. Also,knowledge of European and world football was compulsory. So,every night we would wake up and watches matches that were going on and see what formation and tactics the teams were employing. There were some coaches who were appearing in the exam for the third time but still could not pass it. So,I consider myself lucky and blessed at the achievement,” Surinder,who first passed AFC C-licence in 2007 and then AFC B-licence in 2010,shared. Surinder’s next goal is to clear the AFC Professional Diploma Licence Course. “I will be eligible for the course after a year. For that,I am currently preparing my logbook. National football coach Wim Koevermans is taking the course,” he said. Apart from working as coach and national selector for u-12,u-13,u-14 and u-16 national teams,Surinder has produced several internationals,including Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Indian u-23 captain and goalkeeper for East Bengal FC),Mohammad Sajid Dhot (India U-19 and FIFA Elite Academy) and Anirudh Thapa (India U-16 and FIFA Regional Academy). “It is because of the wishes and all the help I got from the St Stephen’s School officials that I have been able to reach here today. I just want to share my knowledge with others. I am ready to serve the national teams whenever the AIFF need my services,” concluded Surinder.