Jamshedpur FC is delighted to announce the launch of a grassroots programme for the first time in Jamshedpur. The club is also pleased to announce that the grassroots programme will be helmed by Mr. Kundan Chandra.

Kundan, a retired Indian Navy officer with a background in aeronautical engineering, has a rich pedigree of coaching background. He is an AFC A Licensed Coach, FIFA Grassroot Instructor, AFC C License Instructor and an AIFF D License Instructor.

Since 2001, he has served as coach of the Services senior team, Indian Navy senior team, Maharashtra (youth team and senior team), Gujarat Senior team and Mumbai FC (Head of Youth, U19 and Assistant Coach to the senior team) as well as a WIFA State Development Officer.

The programme will kickstart with a workshop for the coaches which is an open session for anyone above the age of 18. The dates will be from the 16th-18th of July and the venue will be the Tata Football Academy. The timings of the workshop will be from 9am – 6pm on the above-mentioned dates. This will be followed by a football festival for kids under the age groups of 5 to 12. The schedule for the same will be announced in due course.

On his arrival Kundan said: “First of all, I would like to thank the club management of Jamshedpur FC for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this family. Over the last month I have been interacting with the locals of Jamshedpur and Jharkhand and have realized that growing up with the challenges offered by the nature every individual is mentally and physically strong. Also, as a city Jamshedpur offers the best infrastructure in the country for football. My plan is to streamline and structure these factors and develop a strong grassroots infrastructure that will connect to youth for Jamshedpur FC in the coming years. It will be easier with the support of the parents, teachers and the media.”

Announcing the appointment, CEO, Mukul Choudhari added “In Jamshedpur FC we are currently building up a football ecosystem which will benefit the senior team and the entire state of Jharkhand. Our primary focus is to educate and develop grassroot coaches so that the children can identify their true potential. Kundan’s work in grassroots will speak for himself in the coming years. Looking forward to everyone’s support and we wish him all the very best on his efforts to create the best grassroot structure in the country.”