Kochi: With Kerala likely to be one of the venues for the FIFA under 17 World Cup in 2017, the state association is planning to request the state government to sanction land and funds for setting up an elite junior acade my in Ernakulam.
The Kerala Football Association informed it has identified suitable locations near Kalamassery and Kakkanad, and has asked the state government to build an academy. FIFA stipulates the need to have local academies at the venues where the World Cup is played.
“If Kerala is made one of the venues for the World Cup, we'd love to see a couple of our boys in the team. The only way to make that happen is by giving them specialised academy training. We hope the land will be allotted without delay,“ said Anil Kumar, Kerala Football Association secretary.
It is understood the plan is to focus on kids born in 2000 and 2001. The Kerala Football Association has planned to fol low the curriculum put in place by the All India Football Federation at their regional academy.
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