Bengaluru FC are all set to make their debut in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) this year. One of the most successful clubs in the Hero I-League over the past few seasons, the Blues will look to carry their form and success to their next campaign. The two-time I-League champions pay a great deal on attention on their grassroots initiatives, aiming to mould budding players into potential stars. Bengaluru attended the ISL workshop held recently in Navi Mumbai and their Head of Youth Development, John Kila, took time to speak exclusively to indiansuperleague.com. Here are some excerpts from that conversation…Kila seemed quite satisfied with the workshop and the way it had panned out for all the ISL teams. “I think this is a very important meeting as all the clubs are present here during those two days, especially for the grassroots programme. Teams from Holland came over, met all the clubs, and told us about how important it is to develop our youngsters.”He also added: “At Bengaluru, we have our own residential academy and besides that we have our school activities, so I think it’s very important to see what kind of line you can use for the future.”As November approaches, the ISL is gearing up for its biggest season ever with Bengaluru FC being one of two new teams in the fray. How does Kila assess the league so far?“It’s fantastic that when you are joining the ISL, you also have to come with your own youth players like the Under-15s and Under-18s. I think this is something a player dreams about, to play in the ISL, and if you can do that at a very early age, you start early with your club and they give you a special programme with a lot of games, training sessions, good coaches,” he said.Kila also had some thoughts on what ambitious youngsters should do to make it big in the world of football at large and the ISL, in particular.“First of all, you need to be talented,” he stated. “If you want to play in the ISL, that means you have to show us talent, and of course, with the coaches and their good programmes, we can develop that talent. Sometimes I say don’t rush, because you come in an age group where things are not going as fast as you want, especially when you are 14-15 years old. But be patient and give them a lot of confidence; and when they are reaching the 17-18 age group, then it’s important to find the right matches to compare and see if they are really good.”One of the Bengaluru academy players, Udanta Singh, is now an integral part of the India squad, and before wrapping up, Kila spoke highly of him as he shed light on the winger’s journey.“Udanta is an exceptionally talented player and he had already passed a few stages before I came to Bengaluru FC,” he reminisced. “I think Udanta is a disciplined boy and he knows how to live for football. It’s not only the talent, but also the things outside the pitch that matter, like whether you’re disciplined in resting, sleeping, having good food, and more. He’s an exceptional example for all our players and the national team, and he can go on to be a great player. Discipline is the key word for Udanta,” he stated before ending our chat.
