Kolkata: All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel said Sunday that he would try his best to retain the boys of the Indian Arrows, which was formed last year to prepare the national team for the 2018 World Cup.
The federation-owned under-23 club was formed by taking boys on lien for a year from different I-League clubs. But now the clubs want their players back.
Patel, during the official signing of the club’s new sponsor Pailan Group, said that he would request the I-League clubs to release the players for the betterment of Indian football.
“The developmental attitude of the clubs will go a long way in helping the sport. Everyone has to put their best foot forward for the betterment of Indian football. I’d request the clubs to release the players for one more year,” said Patel, who signed the official agreement with Pailan Group Chairman, Apurba Saha.
Patel said he was impressed with the club’s new base in the outskirts of Kolkata.
“We look forward to the deal taking Indian football to greater heights. This is the developmental team of AIFF. We have a long way to go to regain lost glory. I’ve been impressed with the residential wing, the kitchen, the swimming pool and the gymnasium and the training grounds,” Patel added.
Patel also informed that the AIFF and the Indian Football Association (IFA) are keen to develop Rabindra Sarovar Stadium into a world class facility. (IANS)
