Shillong, Meghalaya: The hallowed grounds of Shillong recently played host to a significant event for Indian football, as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and All India Football Federation (AIFF) Goalkeeping A Diploma coaching course for the 2024-25 season drew to a successful close. The intensive programme, designed to hone the skills of goalkeeping coaches across the nation, concluded on Thursday, leaving behind a more proficient cadre of custodians’ mentors.
The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) facilitated the groundbreaking course, which commenced on May 21, welcoming 14 seasoned participants. The roster of coaches included a distinguished lineup of former goalkeeping stalwarts and experienced trainers. Among those undertaking the rigorous training were well-known names such as Mohammed Yusuf Ansari, Harry Benny C, Sandip Nandy, Chandan B Rathod, Manu Patricio, Jasmeet Singh, Hameed KK, Sugitesh Mandrekar, Abhijit Mondal, Lalit Thapa, Jignesh Antala, Vinay Singh, Rafael Gracio, and Subhasish Roy Chowdhury. Their participation underscores the commitment to elevating goalkeeping standards within the country.
The course was expertly guided by renowned instructors Gumpe Rime and Dinesh Nair, whose vast experience in the field proved invaluable to the participants. The concluding day witnessed the presence of key figures from the Meghalaya Football Association, including Vice-Presidents Cliff Nongrum and Hering Shangpliang, alongside Executive Member Freddy Kharpran, among other dignitaries, highlighting the regional support for such initiatives.
According to the AIFF website, the A Diploma course delves into highly specialised aspects of goalkeeping coaching. The curriculum extensively covers analysing and working with a goalkeeper and other players during game situations, mastering set plays, fostering effective collaboration with the chief coach and other coaching staff, and crucially, talent identification. This holistic approach is poised to significantly impact the development of future goalkeeping talent in Indian football.
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