Terry Phelan new Sesa Football Academy's Chief Mentor

The Sesa Football Academy in an event in Panaji today announced that former English Premier League player Terry Phelan will be its new Chief Mentor. It is another step for Sesa's to professionalize their Academy set-up which is one of the best in the country.

The Sesa Football Academy had been set-up in 1999 after the Sesa Sports Club team did not qualify for the then National Football League, but the management still wanted to do something for Indian football. Over the last few years the senior team of the Academy had played its way into the Goa Professional League and over the last few editions they have been part of the 2nd Division I-League.

The former FC Chelsea and Manchester City defender who signed a three year deal with Sesa Football Academy recently, has taken charge and already moved to Goa. Having moved on from being a professional player to become a successful youth coach in two continents - North America and Australia – Terry Phelan brings with him a wealth of knowledge and sporting skills.

Sesa Football Academy also announced the appointment of Libero Sports as the academy’s strategic marketing consultants. Libero Sports India, a subsidiary of US based Libero Sports LLC, through its global partnerships will assist in player representation and sponsorship packaging for the academy.

Sesa Goa Limited Managing Director P.K. Mukherjee said, "In his role as Chief Mentor, Terry will be looking after the junior and senior academies while also mentoring our coaching staff. Sesa Football Academy has consciously decided to focus its energies and resources on increasing the standards of Goan and Indian football."

Elaborating on the association with Libero Sports, he said, "We have also appointed Libero Sports India as our strategic and marketing consultants. With their worldwide network and football expertise, I feel this professional partnership is what is needed to continue to grow Sesa Football Academy's presence in the supply chain of Indian Football."

Former Irish international Terry Phelan said, "Goa's love for football is well known. I'm thrilled about being part of the Sesa Football Academy and look forward to working closely with the players and coaching staff. I believe that the academy has the potential to become one of the best academies in the world."

Explaining his game plan for the next few months Terry Phelan said, "Today sports science is the key to success and that's what I plan to bring to the academy. Sports Science involves a long term plan which analysis a number of elements including speed and strength."

"Constant monitoring of players and managing nutrition are an important part of the science. I have already begun evaluating training sessions based on technical, tactical, physical and social aspects," added Phelan.

Elvis Gomes, Goa Football Association vice-President, said, "Involvement of stars such as Terry Phelan will surely aid in elevating the sport of football to the next level. Goa's talented youngsters will reap the benefits of what the Sesa Football Academy has initiated."

The Manchester-born Phelan is a much travelled player who played for Leeds United, Swansea City, Wimbledon, Manchester City, Chelsea, Everton, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Sheffield United, Charleston Battery (USA) and Otago United (New Zealand).

His transfer in the year 1992 from FC Wimbledon to Manchester City for £2.5 million sum was a world record transfer fee for a defender at that time.

Nicknamed 'the scuttler', a recipient of the Republic of Ireland Young Player of the Year Award, he has played for the country’s national team 42 times, including the 1994 World Cup when he was the starting left-back of the team that beat Italy 1-0 and went through to the pre-quarterfinals.