ISL team FC Pune City takeover Pune FC academy, unveil development plans

Pune: With a vision to develop talent and professionalise the sport, Indian Super League team FC Pune City announced on Saturday the takeover of Pune FC’s academy and unveiled its comprehensive development plans. [caption id=“attachment_2979762” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Roger Johnson in action for Pune City FC in 2015. Agencies[/caption] Grassroots and Youth development has always been one of the core tenets of the club and the club took a long leap in fulfilling its stated commitment of building a pyramid structure that can facilitate seamless progression for the young talent. Further the club envisions upgrading and professionalising the current operations in line with international best practices. Also FC Pune city youth sector teams shall now compete in various National and regional leagues and tournaments from this year such as PDFA local leagues, AIFF U-18 League, AIFF U-16 League, Subroto Cup among others. This move will now bring all of Pune FC’s football development operations under FC Pune City’s umbrella, which includes the players and coaching staff. The talented kids from FC Pune City U-14 development centre will get integrated with the academy, including two players recently selected by Bayern Munich from FC Pune City centre. In addition FC Pune City is in the process of building the Women’s team and plans to participate in the inaugural National Women’s League conducted by AIFF. Speaking about the new endeavour, Gaurav Modwel, CEO of FC Pune City said, “We are committed to developing football in a scientific and structured manner learning from international best in class practices and methodologies. our efforts to professionalise the sport and provide much needed impetus to talent identification and development will be second to none. This acquisition provides us a base to expedite the process which would have been undertaken anyway.” FC Pune city shall announce the Technical structure including Technical Director and Head Coach of the academy in the near future. In addition to AFC licensed personnel, club shall bring Coaches with highest UEFA licenses. The training sessions will be conducted at the club facility in Pirangut, erstwhile Pune FC pitches at Mamurdi and at the St Vincent’s grounds. Modwel further added that the emphasis would not be only growing the players as footballers but also on their overall personality development. “In addition to top quality Coaching, the club plans to add several other programs like customised strength and conditioning programs, sports related psychological development, specialised skill based clinics, basic academic programs including communication and soft skills to develop young players as well rounded personalities without distracting them from the primary objective.”