Panasonic Dream Camp - Day One

Yesterday marked the first of the two-day Panasonic Dream Camp in Shillong. After the initial introductions, the first day primarily focused on a couple of training sessions on the FIFA Artificial Turf, one each in the morning and evening along with a classroom session at the hotel.

First training session - Passing
The morning session began at 8am with some light rain around, with the boys making full use of their rain-proof track-suit. The session mainly focused on 'Passing'. After going through some dynamic stretching initially, the boys participated in some passive training that included free movement and more touches on the ball. Later, the training became more active to encourage decision making with opponents and involving various match related scenarios and focussing on receiving the ball. The 90 minute training session ended with a fifteen minute 11 a-side match and cooling down exercises.

Classroom session
Between the two on-field training sessions there was a classroom session conducted for the participants to discuss various nuances of the game of football by showing them videos from the recently held EURO2012. The boys enjoyed some of the best goals of the tournament and learnt about the high standard of international football. The classroom session also included videos on best training practices involving some special drills used by coaches for youngsters around the world.

2nd training session - Dribbling
The evening session focused on 'Dribbling' and involved pretty much the same passive and active training drills, but with a new theme. More drills were 1 vs 1 oriented to place emphasis on dribbling. The session ended with a 3-team league where 9 a-side matches were conducted.

After-dinner entertainment
After dinner at 9pm, the boys were shown the football game from a Hollywood movie, 'Escape to Victory'. It was a perfect way to relax for them after a long hard day of training by entertaining themselves by watching some of their favourite actors and players in a football movie. Lights were off at 10pm ahead of second day of action.

Panasonic Dream Camp for aspiring Footballers

Panasonic India along with Libero Sports is organizing a three day dream camp from today onwards for aspiring footballers which would provide them an opportunity to learn what it takes to represent India as an international player. The camp is being held at Shillong, Meghalaya.

At this three day residential camp, 28 junior players within the age group of 12-15 years will get a first-hand experience of what goes on at a national team training camp. This will include intensive training sessions, cool downs, in-classroom learning, videos, social time and a number of other unique football experiences.

Team India assistant coach Savio Medeira along with coaches Francisco Bruto da Costa and John Kenneth Raj are overseeing the technical aspects of the camp, while international players Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, Sushil Kumar Singh and Renedy Singh are involved in the camp sharing their knowledge and experience of the game with the Dream Camp participants. On completion of the camp the participants will receive certificates signed by Panasonic and the AIFF.

The participating players were nominated by the Meghalaya Football Association and two were players selected from a Panasonic Facebook campaign. The players are housed at The EeeCee Hotel and all training sessions are taking place at the FIFA Artificial Turf Pitch.

The technical plan is designed and executed by the Panasonic Dream Camp Technical Director, Savio Medeira. While off-pitch, the participants will engage in Q&A with the AIFF players and coaches, watch highlight DVDs, discuss their football dreams and gain invaluable insight on what it takes to represent India at the international level.

Talking about the dream camp Manish Sharma, Managing Director at Consumer Product Division, Panasonic India, said, "Panasonic has been playing a significant role in promoting football in India through its partnership with the All India Football Federation. This extraordinary Dream Camp would be a rewarding experience for the aspiring young footballers and give them a chance to get game tips from professional players. It will also seek to set participants up for future success and encourage the spirit of football in the country."

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, "I thank Panasonic for its significant contribution in our efforts to improve football both on-field and off-field. The continuous support from a brand like Panasonic encourages and ensures interest in the game. We are pleased to be associated and supported by Panasonic to help promote and take Indian football to the next level."

Expressing his view on the Dream Camp, former India captain Renedy Singh, said, "This camp is a wonderful platform for the young aspiring players to learn football tactics from professionals and interact with them. This is a great opportunity made possible by Panasonic by organizing such football coaching camp. I am really looking forward to the two-day long fun-filled learning experience."

It is the first camp of its kind and if it is successful then such camps could be held in other cities of the country.

Goa Football Coaches Association formed

As a first in Indian football the Goa Football Coaches Association was formed a few days ago and yesterday they held their first meeting at the Nehru Stadium in Margao to elect their office bearers and they elected Dempo SC's successful coach Armando Colaco as the GFCA's first-ever president.

"This association was long overdue. We will work for the betterment of coaches across the state and also play a role in raising the bar," said Armando Colaco.

Present on the occasion were Goan coaches who have got the AFC coaching licence and the association is open to coaches who have AFC Pro, 'A', 'B' and 'C' licences.

Colaco further added the association will also organise seminars and camps for the promotion of the game, besides holding talks with the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) and Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA) on a priority basis besides registering with the Societies Act.

Earlier in Kolkata Bengali coaches had tried to form an association, but the efforts of some had failed; while the players for a few years have been having their own body, the Football Players Association of India.


The GFCA Office Bearers

President: Armando Colaco
Vice-Presidents: Brahmanand Shankwalkar, Marcus Anthony Pacheco
Secretary: Savio Madeira
Assistant Secretary: Mariano Dias
Treasurer: Peter Vales
Members: Derrick Pereira, Mauricio Afonso, Mahesh Lotlikar, Mathew D'Costa, Cajetan Fernandes, Baptist Fernandes, Pascoal Pereira, Anthony de Souza

VIDEO: Documentary on Launch of first AIFF Regional Academy

The All India Football Federation in collaboration with world football governing body FIFA launched its first Regional Academy at the Father Agnel School premises in Vashi, Navi Mumbai on May 1, 2012. This is the first of four such Academies to come-up across India and here a documentary on the launch and reactions from key stakeholders and personal involved in the Academy.

AIFF's First Regional Academy opens in Navi Mumbai

The first All India Football Federation's Regional Academy in collaboration with FIFA opened at the Father Agnel School premises in Vashi, Navi Mumbai earlier today. Twenty Under-15 boys including two goalkeepers will be a part of the Residential Academy at the School premises.

Scott O'Donell, Technical Director of the AIFF Regional and Elite Academies conducted the first training session which was more of 'fun than intensive training'.

"It's imperative that the boys settle down. Hence, we will stress on fun sessions for the first few days. Form thereon, we move into intense training," Scott O'Donell, stressed.

Colm Toal, Head Coach of the AIFF Youth Development and National Team Coach Savio Medeira were also part of the first training session.

"The Academies would provide the National Coach more options when he sits down to choose the Indian squad in the future," Colm Toal maintained.

"This was long due," Savio commented. "All India Football Federation's effort is laudable indeed."

The AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, "The future of Indian football lies in the youth. This is AIFF's first Regional Academy and we stay committed to open more Regional Academies."

"The entire focus stays on creating World Class Players for the future," he added.

Father Saturnino Almeida, Managing Director of Father Agnel Schools who has been running from pillar to post to get everything in perfect shape, said "the Academy is all about the future!"

"This is a fantastic opportunity where two social institutions of India come together to serve the future of the country in Academies and Football," the Father explained.

Former Indian international Aqeel Ansari will be the Assistant Coach at the Academy while Ms. Sonika Sudan has been appointed as the Physiotherapist and Shailesh Karkera has been appointed the Academy Manager.

No Go: Savio Medeira criticises own players

India coach Savio Medeira will be a frustrated man after Team India played a dismal 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal conceding eight goals, scoring none of their own with no points to its name.

But Savio Medeira, a former Indian international himself, did say things post-match yesterday after the North Korea game which I feel a coach should never ever do. He publically criticised his own team, he actually blasted them for non-performance.

Savio said, "Everyone saw it, the team lacked spirit and there was no one willing to show responsibility and as a coach it isn't very heartening to see those things in the field."

"This is a young team but these players need to learn from their senior predecessors on how to play serious football. In the last SAFF Championship the team was doing well but in this competition, I don't know why, the feeling of responsibility was not there," Savio added.

Savio even went on to say that players were more interested in securing their contracts for next season and that the current side lacks leaders criticising now senior players captain Sunil Chhetri, Syed Rahim Nabi and Gouramangi Singh to name a few.

Even if Savio has a point here, then these are things which one discusses internally with the players and the All India Football Federation, but does not give it as fodder to the media who love to use such comments.

2012 AFC Challenge Cup: Sunil Chhetri to captain India!

India National Team Head Coach Savio Medeira has appointed star striker Sunil Chhetri to lead Team India in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup was held in Kathmandu, Nepal from March 8 to 19, 2012. Meanwhile allrounder Syed Rahim Nabi has been made his deputy in the Team Meeting on Monday in Kathmandu.

Coach Savio Medeira expressed confidence on the choice and said, "Both Sunil and Nabi are quality players. They have earned the respect of every one, by their team play and leadership quality."

"Sunil did a good job last December at the SAFF Championship, where he led from the front. Sunil has matured a lot. While Nabi has been one of the consistent performers for India in the recent times and has an experience to Captain at the club level," he maintained.

"It's a matter of pride and great responsibility to lead the country in such an important tournament. I feel privileged for such an honour. I would try my best to win the title and qualify for the Asian Cup," quipped Sunil Chhetri.

India play their first match of the tournament against Tajikistan on March 9, face the Philippines on March 11 and final their group engagements against North Korea on March 13.

2012 AFC Challenge Cup: Who should captain India?

The final 23 India players were announced yesterday for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal, but head coach Savio Medeira did not name his captain for the tournament. Reasons for this are currently unknown, but due to this fact discussions have started on who could or should lead India into this important tournament as the big prize would be not winning the title, but rather participation in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia.

Savio might have decided on who would be his captain, but having not announced the Team India captain has started interesting discussions on the matter. Yesterday there was a Twitter debate on who is best in this squad to lead the team in the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup.

In the last couple of international friendlies Samir Naik (vs Oman) and Gouramangi Singh (vs Azerbaijan) both led the team for the first time onto the field with Sunil Chhetri rested as he is still to recover fully from an injury, who had captained India to the SAFF Cup title in December.

In many countries there is an unofficial rule that the player with the most number of international caps should captain a country, a fair rule some might say; but I think that the captain needs to be leader within the team who might have a few less internationals but can positively influence a team.

If he hasn't decided yet then Savio Medeira has to make a choice amongst maybe three/four players, who could captain the national side - Sunil Chhetri, Samir Naik, Syed Rahim Nabi, Gouramangi Singh.

I personally feel that Sunil Chhetri did a good job last December at the SAFF Cup, where he led from the front. Sunil has matured a lot, can lead a team and therefore he would be my choice as captain, while I would make allrounder Syed Rahim Nabi his vice-captain as he has the captains experience at club level and has been one of India's most consistent performers in recent times.

Do you agree with me? Who would be your preferred choice as India captain???

2012 AFC Challenge Cup: Savio names his final 23 players

Indian national coach Savio Medeira has named his final 23 players for the upcoming 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, which will be held in Nepal from March 8 to 19. India are together in a tough Group along with former champions North Korea and Tajikistan plus the Philippines

Savio Medeira has held a preparatory camp in Dubai from February 15 where he had called 30 players and played two friendly international matches. India lost both against Oman (1-5) and Azerbaijan (0-3) with Savio unable to send his best team out onto the pitch due to niggles of Sunil Chhetri, Nirmal Chetri and Lalrindika Ralte, who have recovered in time for the AFC Challenge Cup.

Missing the tournament due to injuries will be Arnab Mondal, Clifford Miranda and Baldeep Singh; while Savio has decided to leave out Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Lester Mark Fernandez, Manish Mathani and Manandeep Singh.


INDIA

Goalkeepers
Arindam Bhattacharya (Churchill Brothers SC), Subhasish Roy Chowdhury (Dempo SC), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC),

Defenders
Anwar (Mohun Bagan AC), Nirmal Chetri (East Bengal Club), Kingshuk Debnath (Mohun Bagan AC), Raju Eknath Gaikwad (East Bengal Club), Syed Rahim Nabi (Mohun Bagan AC), Sameer Subash Naik (Dempo SC), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Churchill Brothers SC), Gurjinder Singh (Pune FC)

Midfielders
Francis Fernandes (Salgaocar SC), Adil Ahmed Khan (Sporting Clube de Goa), Rocus Lamare (Salgaocar SC), Anthony Pereira (Dempo SC), Jewel Raja Sheikh (Mohun Bagan AC), Lalrindika Ralte (Churchill Brothers SC), Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers SC), Reisangmi Vashum (East Bengal Club)

Forwards
Joaquim Santan Abranches (Dempo SC), Sunil Chhetri (Mohun Bagan AC), C.S. Sabeeth (Pailan Arrows), Sushil Kumar Singh (Shillong Lajong FC)

2012 AFC Challenge Cup: India's 30 Probables named

Indian national coach Savio Medeira has named his 30 probables for his training camp ahead of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, which will be held in Nepal from March 8.

The probables camp for Team India will kick-off in Dubai from February 15. The squad will assemble in New Delhi on February 13 and leave for Dubai the next day. The final list of 23-Players for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup would be named towards the end of the camp.

Savio has called-up a number of players for the first time to a senior national team probables camp like Kingshuk Debnath, Arnab Mondal, Lester Fernandez, Manish Mathani, Lenny Rodrigues and Manandeep Singh; who have been performing well in the I-League. Others like Anwar, Anthony Pereira and Joaquim Abranches have been recalled.

The AFC Challenge Cup will also mark the first assignment for Team India with Baichung Bhutia, Climax Lawrence and Mahesh Gawli having resigned.

A proposed camp in Blackburn organised by the Blackburn Rovers owners Venky's was turned down by the AIFF and once more Dubai was chosen as venue for the camp.


India Probables

Goalkeepers
Arindam Bhattacharya (Churchill Brothers SC), Subhasish Roy Chowdhury (Dempo SC), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (East Bengal Club)

Defenders
Anwar (Mohun Bagan AC), Nirmal Chetri (East Bengal Club), Kingshuk Debnath (Mohun Bagan AC), Raju Eknath Gaikwad (East Bengal Club), Arnab Mondal (Prayag United SC), Syed Rahim Nabi (Mohun Bagan AC), Sameer Subash Naik (Dempo SC), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Churchill Brothers SC), Gurjinder Singh (Pune FC)

Midfielders
Francis Fernandes (Salgaocar SC), Lester Mark Fernandez (Pune FC), Adil Khan (Sporting Clube de Goa), Rocus Lamare (Salgaocar SC), Manish Mathani (Mohun Bagan AC), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC), Anthony Pereira (Dempo SC), Jewel Raja Sheikh (Mohun Bagan AC), Lalrindika Ralte (Churchill Brothers SC), Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers SC), Baldeep Singh (Pune FC), Reisangmi Vashum (East Bengal Club)

Forwards
Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC), Sunil Chhetri (Mohun Bagan AC), C.S. Sabeeth (Pailan Arrows), Manandeep Singh (Air India), Sushil Kumar Singh (Shillong Lajong FC)

India's SAFF Cup probables named

Head Coach Savio Medeira has named his 26 probables for the camp ahead of the friendly against Zambia on November 29 and the SAFF Cup next month. The camp will be held in Goa from November 25 with Team India shifting base to Delhe after the Zambia match.

There aren't any major surprises in the selection with East Bengal Club duo Raju Eknath Gaikwad and Mehtab Hossain missing out due to injury, while Anwar has been omitted. Govin Singh and Nirmal Chetri make a comeback into the senior national team fold.


INDIA

Goalkeepers
Subhashish Roy Chowdhury (Dempo SC), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (East Bengal Club), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC)

Defenders
Nirmal Chetri (East Bengal Club), Mahesh Gawli (Dempo SC), Sameer Subash Naik (Dempo SC), Debabrata Roy (Dempo SC), Govin Moirangthem Singh (United Sikkim FC), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Churchill Brothers SC), Jaspal Singh Parmar (Salgaocar SC)

Midfielders
Steven Benedic Dias (Churchill Brothers SC), Francis Fernandes (Salgaocar SC), Rocus Lamare (Salgaocar SC), Climax Lawrence (Dempo SC), Clifford Rayes Miranda (Dempo SC), Syed Rahim Nabi (Mohun Bagan AC), Anthony Pereira (Dempo SC), Jewel Raja Sheikh (Mohun Bagan AC), Lalrindika Ralte (Churchill Brothers SC), Baldeep Singh (Pune FC), Mehrajuddin Wadoo (Salgaocar SC)

Forwards
Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC), Sunil Chhetri (Mohun Bagan AC), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC), Baljit Singh Sahni (East Bengal Club), Chongtham Sushil Kumar Singh (United Sikkim FC)

Officials
Savio Medeira (Chief Coach), Antonio Marcus Pacheco (Assistant & Goalkeeping Coach), Mandar Tamhane (Manager), Sandeep Kumar (Doctor), Vishnu Nair (Physio), Pradip Dutta (Fitness Coach), Liaqat Ali (Masseur)

Team India: Savio Medeira new coach, 27 Probables named

The All India Football Federation has now officially appointed former assistant coach Savio Medeira as the Head Coach of the Indian national football team until May 2012.

Talking about the appointment AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, "Savio has the experience of working with the National Team for three-and-a-half-years. His experience will serve us good."

A delighted Savio Medeira said, "It's a big honour to be appointed the Head Coach of my country. It's a huge responsibility and I'm looking forward to it. It's a new challenge for me."

When asked about the upcoming double header against Malaysia, Savio said, "There is not enough time for the team to prepare. I hope the players would rise to the occasion."

The two matches against the southeast Asian nation are slated to be played in Guwahati (November 13) and Kolkata (November 16).

For the two friendlies 27 probables have been called-up, so new head coach Savio Medeira can have a look at the players ahead of the SAFF Cup. While Subrata Pal is out due to an injury players like Anwar and Mehrajuddin Wadoo return to Team India besides Francis Fernandes getting his first call-up.


INDIA

Goalkeepers
Subhashish Roy Chowdhury (Dempo SC), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (East Bengal Club), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC)

Defenders
Anwar (Mohun Bagan AC), Raju Eknath Gaikwad (East Bengal Club), Mahesh Gawli (Dempo SC), Sameer Subash Naik (Dempo SC), Debabrata Roy (Dempo SC), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Churchill Brothers SC), Jaspal Singh Parmar (Salgaocar SC)

Midfielders
Steven Benedic Dias (Churchill Brothers SC), Francis Fernandes (Salgaocar SC), Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal Club), Rocus Lamare (Salgaocar SC), Climax Lawrence (Dempo SC), Clifford Rayes Miranda (Dempo SC), Syed Rahim Nabi (Mohun Bagan AC), Anthony Pereira (Dempo SC), Jewel Raja Sheikh (Mohun Bagan AC), Lalrindika Ralte (Churchill Brothers SC), Baldeep Singh (Pune FC), Mehrajuddin Wadoo (Salgaocar SC)

Forwards
Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC), Sunil Chhetri (Mohun Bagan AC), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC), Baljit Singh Sahni (East Bengal Club), Chongtham Sushil Kumar Singh (United Sikkim FC)

Officials
Savio Medeira (Chief Coach), Antonio Marcus Pacheco (Assistant & Goalkeeping Coach), Mandar Tamhane (Manager), Sandeep Kumar (Doctor), Liaqat Ali (Masseur)