Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) has broadened its grassroots programme in association with Spanish club Atletico de Madrid.
Training in MadridThe two clubs and the ISL will choose 15 to 20 boys and girls, nationally, in the under-12 and under-13 age-groups for a one-year special experience training in Madrid for regular performance and education assessments.
The Spanish club will bring value through coaching staff, training facilities, nutrition and education.
The best among the 15-20 selected will get a chance to extend their stay for the programme by one more year. They will get Facebook and Twitter platforms to share their inspirational stories.
The special programme was announced here on Saturday by La Liga champion Atletico de Madrid in the presence of ATK owners Sanjiv Goenka, chairman, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, and Utsav Parekh, chairman, SMIFS Capital Markets Ltd.
Atletico de Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero and midfielder Jorge ‘Koke’ Merodio were also present.
Basic football lessonsATK already has a grassroots training programme in place in Kolkata for the under-13 age-group; this includes basic football lessons as per FIFA’s grassroots guidelines for dribbling, passing, receiving and physical exercise. — Special Correspondent