FIFA and AIFF join hands to launch India’s first FIFA Talent Academy for girls in Hyderabad

Overview

• AIFF and FIFA collaborated to launch the country's first-ever FIFA Talent Academy for girls
• An MOU was signed between the two Football bodies and the Telangana Government at the Telangana Sports Conclave in Hyderabad
• The Telangana CM, Revanth Reddy, and the AIFF President, Kalyan Chaubey, were in attendance at the event

AIFF and FIFA collaborated to launch the country's first-ever FIFA Talent Academy for girls. An MOU was signed between the two Football bodies and the Telangana Government at the Telangana Sports Conclave in Hyderabad. The Telangana CM, Revanth Reddy, and the AIFF President, Kalyan Chaubey, were in attendance at the event.

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The event marked the launch of the academy, which is a part of FIFA's Talent Development Scheme (TDS), whose focus is to provide top-class training for the handpicked talented players from different parts of the country. The academy will come up at the Gachibowli Stadium Complex in Hyderabad, which will offer residential facilities, education, medical care, nutrition, and mental wellness to 30 boys and girls each.

"This academy is a game-changer for girls in football. It is not only the first of its kind in India but also one of the very few globally under FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme. Young talents — especially girls — from Telangana and beyond will now have access to elite infrastructure, education, and a clear pathway to the national and international stage," said the Telangana CM Revanth Reddy.

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"It is a proud day for Indian football," - AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey was at the event and claimed that it is a huge step towards the growth of Football in the country. He claimed that the academy will groom young athletes and ensure that many others dream to play for India at the highest level. He regarded it to be a strong step for India towards qualifying for the U17 World Cup.

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"The launch of India’s first FIFA Talent Academy for girls and second academy for boys marks a defining moment in our journey towards equitable football development. This collaboration with the Government of Telangana, under FIFA’s global Talent Development Scheme, reflects our collective resolve to identify, nurture, and empower young talent — especially girls — from across the nation," said Chaubey in the event.

"This academy will not only groom elite athletes but also inspire a generation of footballers who can dream of representing India at the highest levels. It is a proud day for Indian football and a strong step forward towards our goal of qualifying for the U17 men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups," the AIFF President added in his statement.