Brazilian club to set up academies in India

After inking a partnership in July this year, Anglian Management Group (AMG) and Brazilian club Clube Atl?tico Paranaense (CAP) are looking to expand their relationship by setting up grassroots and coaching academies across India.

As part of this new venture, AMG and CAP, along with educational and institutional partners, aim to help spot and nurture Indian footballing talent. For the initial roll out, locations in Delhi, North East, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are under evaluation.

Clube Atl?tico Paranaense is one of the oldest and most respected clubs in Brazil and are former winners of the Brazilian S?rie A (Brazil’s premier football league). They have one of the best youth programs in Brazil from which five of their more promising players are currently plying their trade in the Indian Super League (ISL).

The club has also just signed a cooperation agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to work together to train Indian footballers and coaches in preparation of the U17 World Cup scheduled to be held in India in 2017.

Dhruv Ratra, CEO, Anglian Management Group said, “Having won many tournaments within and outside Brazil, Clube Atl?tico Paranaense provide an exceptional role model for Indian clubs to follow. Their experience, infrastructure and expertise will be a huge boost for Indian football in many ways.

“I am confident that CAP’s collaboration with the AIFF will provide a great learning experience for our young national football team. I also strongly believe that CAP is the ideal partner to help in the development of Indian footballing talent and coaches at the grassroots level.”