(Football news) Kerala Blasters FC have announced their partnership with the Government of Kerala (DSYA) to operate their Sports Kerala Elite Residential Football Academy as Technical Partner. The Centre of Excellence will be managed by Kerala Blasters FC for an initial period of five years. The academy was initially inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and chaired by the Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman.

With this collaboration, Kerala intends to be a world class production hub for Indian and International footballers and providing aspiring talent with a career path. The state aims to establish itself as a football destination for young talent and the Youth National team. The academy will have three age group teams – Junior groups of U14 and U17 and Senior group of U20, with 100% domestic youth players.

As a part of this partnership, Kerala Blasters FC will bring aboard various management and technical experts to operate the best-in-class football academy in the country. To make their vision a reality, Kerala Blasters will invest in world class infrastructure, turf and support facilities.

In a press release, Mohammed Rafik, the Director of Football, Kerala Blasters FC said “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Government of Kerala for the first of its kind partnership in India. Through this project, we aim to assist young talents from the state and make them into sought out footballers of tomorrow through the best-in-class infrastructure, football program, life skills and education. We are honored to have our esteemed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurate the academy.”

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