After two highly successful seasons of revolutionising football in India, the excitement surrounding Hero ISL 2016 is at fever pitch. India football coach Stephen Constantine, who has been at the helm since 2015 and has seen the development of many local players from close quarters, has hailed the path-breaking league that began in 2014.

Constantine believes the ability to attract some of the best players and coaches from across the globe is what makes the Hero ISL so unique. “The positive impact has been the sharing of experience from the foreign recruits or if I may call it, the knowledge transfer. So many foreign recruits who have played at much higher levels are coming to India to play in the ISL. They are here to share their experience and do it in a positive manner. It’s now up to the Indian players to grasp as much as possible from them. It is a unique opportunity and one needs to make the most of it. You won’t get such a chance every day,” Constantine said.

Constantine also believes that the domestic players have greatly benefited from the league in the last two years. With iconic names of the game in Marco Materazzi and Zico prowling the touchline and kicking every ball with their players, Constantine is convinced that there is no better platform for an individual to learn and further his development.

“It’s so significant that we have some very good coaches who are coaching in the ISL. A player can improve only when he trains under a quality coach. The ISL is providing that opportunity. I expect them to approach it positively, be inquisitive and learn as much as possible to add expertise and more value… I would expect my players to interact and learn as much as possible. There is no substitute to learning,” he said.

The 53-year-old Englishman also added how he thinks the league has transformed the way viewers are now looking at the game besides luring a great number of fans. “The awareness level among the masses is on the increase. More people in India are now aware and follow the beautiful game. The coverage which FSDL [Football Sports Development Limited] has provided to the ISL has been splendid. As a fan, you are spoilt for choice as there are so many games in a week. You don’t have to wait till the weekend for the matches. It’s being served on a platter for you,” he concluded.

Hero ISL 2016 kicks off on October 1 as NorthEast United FC host Kerala Blasters FC in the opener at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.