India football captain and legend Bhaichung Bhutia is all set to make foray into youth football development. He will launch a football school at the end of the month, and the school will be operational by early December.
Apart for the experience that Bhutia brings to the picture, there is more to look forward to. The school, called Bhaichung Bhutia Football School, has a tie-up with top football manager Carlos Queiroz, and the school run by him in Portugal. Queiroz was the Portugese senior team coach till September, and has had stints with clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Having won the junior World Cup, and groomed the likes of Luis Figo and Rui Costa, part of Portugal's 'Golden Generation', Queiroz has a keen eye for young talent. Speaking to HT, Bhaichung Bhutia said, "The school will have two coaches who are coming from Carlos's school in Portugal. It will be open to all youngsters who are interested in football.Essentially, it is an attempt to give kids the opportunity to play and enjoy the sport, have fun, get access to good coaches and training facilities and give them a positive outlet for their energy."
So what about the more serious youngsters? "The coaches will monitor the kids, and the ones who have the talent to make it will be watched even more closely. We also plan to set up academies in Kolkata and Sikkim in the coming months (together with actor John Abraham), and will help these talented young footballers to get into academies and develop further," Bhutia said.
{{/usCountry}}So what about the more serious youngsters? "The coaches will monitor the kids, and the ones who have the talent to make it will be watched even more closely. We also plan to set up academies in Kolkata and Sikkim in the coming months (together with actor John Abraham), and will help these talented young footballers to get into academies and develop further," Bhutia said.
{{/usCountry}}Though the school will be providing a paid service, 30 per cent of seats will be reserved for underprivileged kids. Bhutia said the school was already in talks with various NGOs to ensure that these seats are filled.
"Queiroz was supposed to be in India this weekend for the launch, but unfortunately he had personal commitments to attend to. He will be here soon, though," Bhutia said.