SMFA could give game a big kick
India’s Got Talent. Not a popular TV show but words that were echoed by a man who has now become a seamless part of most of our lives — Assistant coach at the Steve McMahon Football Academy (SMFA) & ESPN regular, Paul Masefield. Brainchild of its namesake Steve McMahon, SMFA has grand plans for India’s footballing future, the first glimpse of which was seen at Genesis Global School in Noida. Children were trained by licensed coaches who know a thing or two about what it takes to be at the highest level.
I’ve played football in India, Canada and England. I’ve played in community parks in all 3 countries and there was the same mix of talent everywhere.
A: 3 pacey kids that knew how to play and a goalkeeper. 2 kids go to one team that doesn’t get the keeper.
B: The ones who showed promise once. Then, they were in Group A, but with age and a slap of reality called girlfriends, came slowness and promise — a promise ring that is.
C: Never too good but never that bad either. But so damn entertaining that you had to pick ’em so you had 7 players and a laugh. Yes, my Group!
Coming back to Group A. These 4 are the same in every country. It’s the ones that are spotted and get the right training abroad that make it into a career of football. And SMFA promises such a platform for the countries youngsters to write their own future. If they can produce 11 Baichungs our country is heading down the right path.
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