Synopsis
Chennaiyin FC and Norwich City FC are hosting an inter-school football championship in Tamil Nadu to boost grassroots football. The tournament, starting on January 24, 2025, will feature 64 teams in Under-12 and Under-14 categories, allowing young athletes to showcase their skills to club scouts.Key Takeaways
- Chennaiyin FC and Norwich City FC collaborate for grassroots football.
- CFC-NCFC Inter-School Football Championship 2025 begins January 24.
- 64 teams will compete in Under-12 and Under-14 categories.
- Opportunity for young players to attract club academy scouts.
- Support from Reliance Foundation enhances the initiative.
Chennai, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Indian Super League (ISL) team Chennaiyin FC and Norwich City FC from England have united to organize an inter-school football tournament aimed at boosting grassroots football in Tamil Nadu. The CFC-NCFC Inter-School Football Championship 2025 kicks off on Friday, January 24, and will see 64 teams compete in the Under-12 and Under-14 categories, providing a stage for young players to demonstrate their abilities to club academy scouts.
With the generous backing of the Reliance Foundation, this tournament is part of a broader collaboration started in April 2024 between Chennaiyin FC and Norwich City FC, emphasizing talent development and fostering a robust football culture in the region. “In the future, we aspire to extend this initiative beyond Chennai to other districts like Coimbatore, Trichy, and Salem. Ultimately, we envision a championship that encompasses all of Tamil Nadu, bringing together young footballers from across the state,” stated CFC’s Head of Marketing, Neel Jayaram, during a press conference.
“Our ambition for the next decade is to see an increased representation of Tamil Nadu players in Chennaiyin FC. To achieve this, we must establish a solid foundation that allows for a strong Tamil player presence in the club,” he remarked. “CFC scouts will be actively scouting throughout the tournament to discover potential talents and integrate them into our youth development initiatives. Our aim is to foster players who can emulate the success of icons like Mohanraj and Samik (Mitra),” he added.
Mohanraj K, a first-team goalkeeper for Chennaiyin FC, who joined the club at age 13, shared insights on the opportunities such tournaments offer young athletes.
“These tournaments are incredibly valuable for young players, especially in the Under-12 and Under-14 divisions. It’s a great chance for children to gain experience while showcasing their skills in front of youth team scouts, facilitating their transition from local competitions to youth teams. This is the foundation on which they can develop and eventually rise to senior levels in the sport,” he said.
Grassroots football is crucial for developing young talent, serving as an essential platform for identification and growth. Emphasizing this, Rajat Guha, goalkeeping coach of Chennaiyin FC, stressed the significance of early engagement and structured opportunities for aspiring players. “Grassroots football is vital for spotting talent early—it's like the base of a building. To find a great footballer, you must catch them young. This tournament will create opportunities for these kids to gain proper, competitive playing time,” Guha explained.
In addition to vying for the championship title, the winning teams will have the unique opportunity to attend a Chennaiyin FC match, offering them a glimpse into the world of professional football.
