By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Highly-rated British football coach John Godbold feels that the growth of Indian football will depend on how best the country is able to nurture young talent before they are exposed to the international arena.
“I always believed that the basic necessity for the growth of football in any nation depends on the development of young talent,” Godbold, who has worked with English Premier League sides like Queens Parks Rangers, told reporters on his arrival in the city here on Tuesday.
The 47-year-old coach has come to the state for the Aircel Lajong Soccer Camps, which will kick off on Wednesday at Mawlai Madan Heh for kids under 13. The camps, which will be conducted in various parts of the state continue until December 31.
According to Godbold, the standard of football in India can reach the level equivalent to top football-playing nations in the next few years if its youth development programme is on the right track.
He also said that he has been closely following the I-League ever since his countryman, Desmond Bulpin, started working in India.
Godbold is also planning a camp for coaches, saying, “It will definitely be interesting to hear from coaches here on the problems they are facing due to poor football infrastructure. I will meet coaches during the one-day coaching clinic on December 28.”
When asked how he come on board for these camps, the coach said that Bulpin, whom he has been associated with for a very long time, had convinced him that he should come to this part of India.
“He (Bulpin) told me about the abundant football talent in this region.” Godbold also added that Bulpin’s ability to identify young talent is “second to none”.
Godbold was also adamant that training and practice count for a lot.
“Footballers aren’t born, they’re made,” he said. “Football is a learning process and requires hard work and a lot of effort.”
Soccer camps schedule: Dec 19 – Mawlai (Madan Heh), Dec 20 – Bhoi Rhymbong (RBDSA Sports Complex, Kurkalang), Dec 21 – Mairang (Dom Mawlum ground), Dec 22 – Sohra (Marai ground), Dec 24 – Mylliem (Madan Iing Syiem), Dec 27 – Jowai (JDSA Stadium), Dec 28 – Shillong (coaches camp), Dec 31 – Shillong (Polo).
Children who attend are expected to bring drinkinh water and their own kit.
The SLFC office (phone 8575016665) can be contacted for further details.