KOLKATA: If the shift of Odisha FC ’s first three home games to Pune was a dampener for the newly-shifted franchise’s chances of making a connect with the home fans, the inauguration of their grassroots programme might boost the interest of the locals. Looking to develop grassroots football in the state, Odisha’s first Indian Super League side officially launched the programme at Sai International School in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

FSDL ( Football Sports Development Limited ) CEO Martin Bain, secretary of sports and youth services department (govt of Odisha) Vishal Dev and founder of the school Bijay Kumar Sahoo were among the guests present at the launch apart from Odisha FC director Rohan Sharma, CEO Ashish Shah, head coach Josep Gombau, assistant coach Thangboi Shingto and head of football development Aakash Narula.

Representatives, including principals and physical education teachers, from 100 schools across the state attended the inaugural ceremony. Sai International School was also announced as the grassroots partner of Odisha FC for the next five years.

As part of the programme, the club will organize football festivals, street cups, coach education programme in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and other parts of the state so that the coaches can impart proper training to youngsters. Baby leagues will be organised along with the tournaments for the girls. Qatar’s Aspire Academy being the technical partner of Odisha FC, the young players will be given an opportunity to train there like the previous and current batches training at the club academy.

"Our aim is to make football the No. 1 sport in the state and the state of Odisha the No. 1 football state of India. The idea is over time we will interact with every school in the state to spot talent in Odisha. Let’s start the journey together from today," said Odisha FC CEO Shah.

Talking about his experience in various leagues as a professional and being associated with the game since long, FSDL CEO Bain said, "I have met many young people in India and their smile and enthusiasm have struck me. This is the reason I am here. We all are working for one common cause that is to unite and work towards the growth of the sport."

About their partnership in this programme, Sahoo explained, "Football is popular in almost all the villages of the state. We didn’t have a proper set-up but now with Odisha FC and their grassroots programme we have a professional set-up here."

