National coach Wim Koevermans demonstrated various match-related situations in theory and practical sessions as the AIFF coaching seminar gathered momentum in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday. Dr. Manabendra Bhattacharya, AIFF medical consultant, made a presentation on medical care and treatment of youth players — including age verification.
Focus on opposition
Koevermans said: “All practice sessions need to be organised keeping the opposition in mind. The players need to be taught and encouraged to express match-related behaviour while in practice,” he stressed. “As coaches, all of us need to develop our own concept and prepare likewise. The build-up stays the most integral part.”
Later, speaking on ‘How to play various systems?’ he turned to the drawing board to explain. “The aim is to find that extra spare man in the midfield. You always have to find one, at any cost,” he added, showing various formations and how to counter them on the field.
He backed all theories with a practical demonstration later at the Father Agnel ground, venue of the AIFF’s first Regional Academy. Dr Bhattacharya urged the coaches to be extra cautious in case of match related injuries and react immediately. He felt extra care should be taken to immunize players and personal hygiene.
Value of immunisation
Dr Bhattacharya added: “It’s absurd that Indian clubs don’t care about adult immunisation at all. In most cases, players are contracted for an average Rs. 40 lakh on an annual basis but the clubs are reluctant to immunise them for another Rs. 3,000. In the process, the clubs lose the services of the players and football suffers,” he said.
Regarding age verification, Dr Bhattacharya explained: “Age verification is a very complicated process. It’s mostly determined by secondary sexual characters, dental age and bone age, depending on the appearance and fusion of ossification centres which can be detected by X-rays and MRI tests.
Keywords: AIFF, age verification
