AIFF plans women's academy

Indian football authorities are in talks with FIFA for financial support to build the country's first residential academy for women footballers.

The academy is being planned in a small village south of Kolkata, where land has been identified, sources in the Indian Football Association, which governors the sport in West Bengal, said.

The All-India Football Federation (AIFF), the IFA and some former women footballers met FIFA representatives in Delhi last month to discuss the project.

The IFA has been entrusted with the responsibility of drawing up a project report that would be submitted to FIFA.

"If everything goes well, we should be able to start the academy from next year with 30-40 girls," an IFA official said.

AIFFA vice-president Subrata Dutta, who is also the chief of the IFA, has appointed a project director for the development of women's football.

"The idea is to encourage schools to promote football among women. We are organising workshops and training sessions in schools not only in Kolkata, but elsewhere as well," the source said.

Students selected from these schools could be sent to the academy, which will also accept candidates from trials held from time to time.

Besides football, residents at the academy would learn vocational craft and also complete their regular studies.

"We are hoping for financial grant from FIFA because the project involves huge costs towards developing infrastructure like grounds, gyms, swimming pools and living quarters," the source added.