The Premier League made significant strides in fostering grassroots football in India with the launch of its inaugural NEXTGEN coach programme in Goa. The four-day initiative, held from May 10 to 13, brought together over 30 coaches from the OSCAR Foundation and local communities, equipping them with the Premier League’s global expertise. Through a blend of comprehensive classroom theory and practical on-pitch sessions, the programme focused on creating a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment for young players. This marks a deliberate effort by the league to extend its influence beyond elite club competitions and invest directly in the foundational layers of Indian football.
The curriculum was meticulously designed to address the specific challenges of grassroots coaching in India, emphasizing child safeguarding, session planning, and the use of sport as a tool for social development. Coaches worked directly with Premier League trainers, who demonstrated techniques for fostering teamwork and confidence in children aged six to fourteen. The practical sessions allowed participants to apply their learning in real-time, simulating the unpredictable dynamics of working with young athletes. By prioritizing methodology over results, the programme aims to shift local coaching culture from win-at-all-costs to long-term player welfare and skill acquisition.
This initiative is not an isolated event but a strategic pillar of the Premier League’s broader commitment to strengthening football ecosystems internationally. By training Indian coaches rather than simply sending players overseas, the programme builds local capacity and ensures sustainability. The 30-plus graduates now return to their communities as certified advocates for high-quality, child-first coaching. While the immediate impact will be measured in improved sessions and safer playing fields, the long-term ambition is clear: to plant the seeds for India to one day nurture its own Premier League-calibre talent, starting with the men and women guiding children today.