48 students graduate from inaugural football management course

A total of 48 students graduated as ‘Football Managers’ from the inaugural batch of India’s first-ever Diploma in Football Management course, conducted by WIFA Skillanation. This Diploma course is recognised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The Gold Medallists of the Program are Naivedya Paramartha and Bhavya Jain followed by Himanshu Sharma and Donato Pavrey with the Silver Medal. The Bronze medal was earned by Trevor Fernandes, Anand Sivadas, Aayushman Narayan, Surya Prakash and Lyndon D’Penha.

“This Program by WIFA Skillanation fills the need of the hour. We need to train Football Managers to build the eco-system of football in the country and these young boys and girls are skilled to do exactly that!” said Kushal Das, General Secretary of All India Football Federation.

We are seeing a rapid increase in the commercialisation of Football in the country and multiple revenue streams are driving this growth. In this scenario, it is essential to have highly trained sport-specific Football Managers lead this growth and steer the business with sharp acumen and robust skill sets. These Football Managers are the first wave of professionals to fill this vacuum and grow the Football eco-system in our country in a sustainable manner," WIFA CEO, Henry Menezes.

The students who passed out benefitted immensely as they received comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge. Over the past 12 months, the students have garnered immense exposure and helmed international responsibility by being associated with the organising of the India vs Puerto Rico international friendly match and the India vs Nepal international friendly.

As the governing body of Football for Maharashtra it is imperative that we cover all development avenues and this football management program is much needed for the fast emerging opportunities and we have launched it at the right time,” Souter Vaz, Honorary Secretary of WIFA.

They also visited the AIFF HQ to learn firsthand from key personalities such as Javier Ceppi, the Tournament Director of the U-17 FIFA World Cup 2017. They have also planned and conducted the WIFA Champions Leagues for Men, Women and Youth along with other marquee events such as Mission XI Launch and the I-League matches played at Cooperage Football Stadium.

The students are already hired to work with prestigious organisations such as JSW Sports, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai FC, WIFA, Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and Hudl.