On Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the National Centre of Excellence (NCE) in Kolkata, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) held a four-day FIFA Coach Capacity Building Workshop. The workshop was led by FIFA experts Simon Toselli and Stephanie Spielmann.
According to a press release from the AIFF, this workshop is an essential part of the FIFA Women’s League Development, which is part of the larger FIFA Women’s Development Programme.
Twenty-five coaches, comprising six men and nine women, from the Indian women’s national teams, IWL and IWL 2 clubs, as well as other relevant parties, attended the training. Twelve states were represented among them. Toselli is a FIFA Women’s Football Technical Expert, while Spielmann is an OFC and FIFA instructor in addition to being a former player and UEFA A-License coach.
During Day Three of the Workshop, All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey gave a speech to the participants. He stated: “One area where we have huge potential to progress at the international level is women’s football.” However, in order to meet this goal, we must have an actual program for leadership development.
The president of AIFF emphasized that while women’s football is popular in some parts of India, it is not nationwide. “Our goal should be to find more talent in women’s football in these areas,” he stated. You all who are attending this class and putting in a lot of effort to learn more are able to recognize talent and regularly share it with the AIFF’s talent scouts. It will contribute to expanding the player base.
With the words, “If you are good at communication and explanation, your team will do great,” Toselli emphasized the significance of communication. Any workshop of this kind, he claimed, will advance knowledge and help develop a prosperous career.
Spielmann stated that during practice, coaches should always lead by example when elucidating any concept to players. “It does not waste time; it saves you time,” she remarked.
Stephanie urged the coaches to take a close look at themselves, pinpoint their advantages and disadvantages, and make the required changes to overcome obstacles.
