The 10-day long grassroots selection festivals undertaken by all eight Hero Indian Super League (ISL) teams may have come to an end on April 16th but it was just the first phase in a multi-layered football development programme for the country planned out by the league.Having overseen the programme very closely, Piet Hubers reckons that the league is on the right track in its aim to develop the game in the country. In an exclusive chat with www.indiansuperleague.com, the ISL Grassroots Technical Director praised the attitude and approach of the clubs towards grassroots development saying, “It seemed that everybody was very motivated. The clubs and the league were well prepared to offer every participant a wonderful football experience.”“To date, everyone has enjoyed the festivals that the clubs have already organised over the past few months and I am certain that all coaches and children will continue to enjoy and learn as we go ahead. It is this enthusiasm and excitement that is the most fundamental driver of a grassroots programme and as on date we have an abundance of it!”The UEFA grassroots expert further emphasised on the fact that the league and clubs’ initiatives can only facilitate progress while the initiative has to be taken by the participants themselves.Hubers said, “We are extremely well placed to produce outstanding talent given the facilities, curriculum and coaching expertise that we are being able to provide courtesy the ISL Clubs and the Reliance Foundation.“Of course, we can only provide the best opportunity for talented Indian children and it is, like is the case anywhere else in the world, up to them to work hard and grab this opportunity.”Delving into the challenges that lay ahead for the beautiful game’s development in the country, Hubers opined that infrastructure will hold the key in the long term. “For the development of football in a country, the most important need is the development of good football infrastructure. Every child who wants to play organised football should have that opportunity,” he added.Hubers, who met and interacted with close to 1500 children during the eight grassroots selection festivals held between April 7 and April 16, reiterated on the need for proper grooming and tactical training for Indian players.According to him, “The Indian player is, in my experience, built to be a technical player. Indian children are quite skilful and full of energy and these are aspects we must build further. However, from what I have seen, a lot needs to be done to improve their techniques, their tactical skills and insight as well as their physical stature through better nutrition.”The Dutchman who has more than 30 years’ experience in scouting and training across Europe gave his honest assessment of Indian football and the road ahead, “Immense potential but huge challenges. There are still too few good grassroots facilities and we need to do a lot to let everybody play who wants to play!”
