Mumbai, Nov 14 (PTI) The Karnataka SportingAssociation (KSA) has launched the KSA-Ambitious FootballAcademy to scout the local talent and provide them training.
The announcement was made here at a press briefing byKSA President Dr P V Shetty and former India football playerSteven Dias.
Dias will don the coach's hat and will train thechildren under various age-groups, including Under-8, Under-13and Under 15, it was announced.
Dias, who will be assisted by Vijith Shetty andSantosh Koli, said the kids initially will be trained thrice aa week.
"I started my career at this KSA ground and KSA hasalways supported me. So I wanted to scout some good talent andhelp them make a career. We will work on their basics," saidthe 33-year-old Dias who played for Mumbai FC in the I-League.
He said after the camp 20 kids from the three agegroups would be selected for the Academy.
The player also said the successful conduct of theFIFA U-17 World Cup in India has helped in increasing thepopularity of the sport.
"Now after the World Cup, where ever I go parentsbring their kid, and are taking interest in football. Afterthe World Cup, everyone has started knowing that there isfootball in India and Mumbai. People have started takinginterest in football which is a good thing," Dias toldreporters.
"I have recently done my (coaching) licence. I alwayswanted to get into coaching and be with football," he added.
Dias said he had not announced his decision to retire,adding "may be I will announce soon." PTI NRB SSRNRB.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.