AIFF to launch U-13 League in 2017; open to ISL, I-League & certified academies

THE ALL INDIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION (AIFF) taking steps towards developing the sport at the grassroots levels. They are all set launch an U-13 National League next year.

"AIFF stays committed to taking the sport to the kids and we feel 2017 is the best calendar year to launch the Under-13 league as it's also the year of the FIFA U-17 World Cup which will be hosted in India," Das told PTI.

"After the success of Under-19 I-League and Under-15 League, the Under-13 League is the next step in the structure which takes us closer to the grassroots," he added.

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das will be open to all U-13 ISL, I-League clubs and other academies who are certified by the federation.

"We expect all the clubs both from I-League and Indian Super League along with certain AIFF certified Academies."

AIFF Technical Director Scott O'Donnell said the Under-13 League is a step in the "right direction".

"Playing competitive football plays a big role in a player's development. There are some school tournaments for that age-group but with most of them being knock-out ones, the kids lose out when their team loses," he said.

"The Under-13 League will ensure that the players get to play a minimum number of games."

At present AIFF is following an academy certification system which will ensure that the academies with right philosophy would be given preference.

A three-day Advanced Grassroots Course was organised by AIFF which aimed at "talent identification."

"The advanced GR Programme is a step in the right direction and is of great relevance to the Under-13 National League," Das said.