IMPHAL, November 11: The inability of Manipur football clubs to play in the Indian I-league is shameful for state football, said level II coach of the English Football Association, Richard Alderson today at the Manipur Press Club. He was speaking during a simple welcome function organized by the Th Birchandra Singh Football Academy.
Speaking to media persons today, the visiting level II coach from England said even though a single football club is yet to make it to the Indian top league, there are several players from the state who are playing for other clubs in the league.
The coach is in the state to conduct a seven day football coaching on new techniques on teaching for coaches and players alike at the Th Birchandra Singh Football Academy, Taobungkhok, Imphal West. The coaching camp will be held from November 13 to 19.
He said Manipur has a high sporting potential and there is a lot of room for improvement.
Once any club from the state could reach the I-league, hordes of young players will emerge from the state.
He said physical stature should never be considered a handicapped in any sports as proved by Maradona who is himself of small stature. He continued everything depends on the ability of the players and the skill he possess.
TBSA is a great resource for the state Manipur.
Alderson’s relation with the TBSFA dates back to 2011 November, when he had conducted a similar coaching camp at the club.
This year’s coaching will be attended by 50 young players and three coaches.
Meanwhile, TBSFA secretary Th Dilip Singh told IFP that there has been a lot of improvement after last year’s similar coaching camp.
He continued several players from the academy who had undergone the camp had already represented the U-14 Indian team.
The three Kishan, Bidyashore and Dayananda are now undergoing training at the Regional Football Academy, PAILAN Arrow, he said.
Six other players who had undergone the training have also been included in the Manipur U-12 and U-13 teams to participate in the upcoming Kalyani Football Festival, he said.
