Baichung launches Football Schools

On Saturday the papers were formally signed in New Delhi to seal a partnership between Baichung Bhutia and "Football by Carlos Queiroz" (FBCQ) for the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS). The papers were signed by Baichung Bhutia himself and "Football by Carlos Queiroz" CEO Tiago Lopes on the sidelines of the formal launch of the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools held at the Shangri La's hotel in New Delhi, which was attended by authorities, partners and the media. Baichung Bhutia is pleased to join forces with FBCQ to address an unique football development model to young players in India.

Portuguese coaching legend Carlos Queiroz, former national coach, will draw on years of experience, developing young players and twice winning the youth World Cup, to be associated with Baichung's project.

The project will capture the essence of training methods of FBCQ to develop alongside with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) a football system of the highest quality in India and also contribute to the formation of the next generation of Indian football coaches.

FBCQ devoted the last years of research and reconstruction of a current sports model and in a matrix of operation that can serve clubs, academies and international partners who wish to develop a systematic quality approach in youth football.

"I am personally convinced that the potential that India football has is enormous. I think that this project will be further proof of that. I hope that football in India grows in the right way, developing youngsters with the will to succeed in life, with the will to commit to values and at the end of the day enables them to become better human beings. That is what football is about, that is the role of football and sport in society," Carlos Queiroz said.

"With Baichung's vision, with the infrastructures available, with the support of the community and partners, and with the will to work daily and improve, I believe it is only a matter of time before we start to see some rising talent," Carlos Queiroz added further in his statement.

The project foresees the development of eight academies spread throughout India and integrate a total of 16 Portuguese coaches trained in FBCQ. It is estimated that within three years, 5.000 young players aged between 8 to 16 years old will participate in regular programs.

"I have been extremely fortunate during my career to get the opportunities to develop as a footballer. But for our future little champions I do not want destiny alone to determine where they reach, but to give them the power to shape their own destiny," Baichung Bhutia said.

The partnership also includes the exchange in the first year of a total of 10 Indian coaches who will have technical training in FBCQ academy, located in Portugal, as well as allowing visits of many young Indian athletes to Portugal.

"We are pleased to be a part of the Baichung family. FBCQ believes the alliance is exactly the first great step toward a common goal of providing a football learning environment for Indian youth players," Tiago Lopes, CEO of Football By Carlos Queiroz, said in New Delhi.

"The overall success will be achieved through a highly tailored, well planned and resourced strategy fully integrated with the strength of all partners using our shared passions for Football, Health, Education and Social Responsibility." Tiago Lopes added.

The first phase of the project will start as of October 30, with the displacement of two FBCQ coaches. The first activities will be developed from numerous schools in New Delhi in December to an estimated participation of 500 children and youth. The first regular programs are scheduled for January and take place on a sporting infrastructure in New Delhi.

Another first for our captain, who continues to work to help in the development of Indian football.