By Arun Malhotra
It is believed that one of the reasons for not producing the professional/ international level players our UT is lack of modern level football Academies. Many a states like North east have seen drastic change in game with the introduction of football Academies. The times have undergone tremendous change. Till some years before there was no concept or precedence of Academies and players were selected from open tournaments or there was only one professional academy in India i.e Tata Football Academy at Jamshedpur (Jharkhand). Now the times have changed and the onus on producing players lies on Academies. States / UTs across the country are hiring the services of reputed international players / educated coaches are having license to train players with modern concept to run the Academies. This practice has produced great results.
Football Academies really change the course of history of football in our country. When we look into the reasons for emergence of top class football players with specific reference to Bengal , we came to know that pelthora of football academies so established playing key role in producing players . Football Academies are considered manufacturing machine of players with great skills and knowledge of modern techniques. It is a well established fact that more the football academies in any country ensures more high class players.
However, it is observed that a scant representation is seen from Jammu and Kashmir. The main reason why hidden players to exhibit talent is lack of modern football, skill and techniques which is improved only in Academies by the professionals.
If J&K really has to be in game then some certain steps are required be taken and first and foremost among all is establishment of Football Academies. This only will ensure participations of JK players in I- league in different age group category and even playing on major tournaments across country & represent country.
Establishing Academy in Jammu shall aim at playing in country including Indian-League of Under different age group category players organised by All Indian Football Federation.
Better results can be conceived only If we work on grassroot level and even conducting the Interschool, college or University tournaments as a permanent phenomenon.
Apart from this , Athletic Track, Professional Gym will really help players to excel in higher level .Result oriented & Licensed Coaches will make the difference and give more exposure to our boys.
The professional footballer will engage youth and involve them in sports and nation building and deter them not to fall prey to drugs and other bad acts . More football in Jammu will also give recreation to people and keep them fit and stress free . It will open up ways and Opportunities to play in Professional Clubs outside the state, I-League teams or ISL Clubs or represent National Teams. In times to come, We can invite professional clubs here for selection of our academy in professional clubs outside UT and even outside country .
Aiming at making Jammu a hub of football establishment of Academy is paramount important and will change the course of history of football in Jammu .
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