Soccer coaches in a fortnight!

Sep 12: It seems quite surprising and illogical that any individual, who have a moderate background of soccer, could become a coach in 15days time. But nation's premier soccer body AIFF made it possible by endorsing Asian Football Confederation (AFC) 'C' license award course for the upcoming football coaches of the country under project Vision India.

The fortnight long 'C' license course which commenced on Sep 07 will conclude on September 22 at the AIFF's headquarter at Dwarka. The course comprises 24 trainees from Delhi, J&K, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, UP, Railways and Goa, who have been selected and recommended by their respective state associations.

According to the AFC 'C' license Course Instructor Gabriel E Joseph, All the selected trainees have to undergo intensive theoretical and practical training classes in two weeks time to be able to get a stamp of recognised coaching certificate under their belt.

It is hard to understand that a player who had the experience of playing top level soccer throughout his career and knows the nuances of the game at the back of his mind, when take on coaching assignment, still could not be able to manage this highly specialised job to bring out favourable results. Then how come the trainees after having a crash course of coaching, will be able to deliver the goods with not much of experience in their kitty.

When asked whether a person can become a coach in a fortnight's time? Joseph replied "It's an elementary coaching course which focuses around strenuous practical training, and also going to inculcate academics among trainees regarding the basics of the game as a part of our training process. In addition it is a stepping stone and a mandatory task for the 'B' and 'A' license award course".

Talking to NewstrackIndia correspondent Mukesh Thapliyal, former Olympian and ex-national coach of India S.S. Hakim was quite surprised with the induction of this course. "I can't understand that, How one could be able to learn the art of basic coaching procedures of the game in mere two weeks time? And what they are going to learn in this period and be able to teach after the completion of the course", Hakim quipped.

"All India Football Federation (AIFF) does not even recognise one year diploma course of National Institute of Sports (NIS) which includes various integral and related aspects of coaching like biomechanics, physiology etc. What I feel that a trainee must have a diploma of NIS first and only then he should be allowed to pursue 'C' license course", Hakim opined

"As far as I think, this course is just meant for the people who have been associated with the AIFF and the federation has provided them an opportunity in the form of this short term coaching course to oblige them" Hakim added.

Talking to NI correspondent, Joseph clearly stated "It won't be an easy task for the trainees as they have to go through a strict regimen to get the minimum license of coaching to work across the country in any manner".

"They will have to face the seven exams, one in every four days. The total seven exams including four written and three practical exams are scheduled for the trainees during the course", Joseph added.