More attention needed at grassroots level: Nassiri

“The selected boys will be trained by Inter Milan and Indian coaches and then 16 players will be chosen to go to Milan and will represent India at an internal youth friendly tournament,” he explained.

53-year-old Nassiri,a Kolkata resident,said that there has been a change in scenario because some of the schools have been promoting soccer in a big way. “The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is the national body responsible for promoting football in India. The AIFF should come up with good programmes for the children. Though tournaments are organised at the junior level but at the same time it has to be ensured that the selections of the teams at various levels are done fairly. Considering the climatic conditions in India and the physical fitness of the players I think if children are groomed in the sport from the age of eight,then they can put up a good challenge against the Europeans when they grow up.”

He said that all major Clubs should open their own academies and these academies should cater to not just football training and tournament exposure but also look after the education,food and lodging of the players. “I am impressed by the efforts of the Chandigarh Football Academy and the Tata Football Academy in this direction. In order to make a mark at the international level,we have to concentrate on the young talent so many more such Academies should come up,” he said.