India

[Toronto Villa]

From the OS

Aston Villa is opening its first football academy outside England in India. I know the first team is what ultimately matters but we need to lay foundations to grow the club across the world to open up new revenue streams.

This follows discussions held with the Minister of Sport Vijay Goel and the Minister of Education Prakesh Javedekar.

Villa is to be appointed as advisor on football as the sport forms part of the national curriculum for Indian state schools. 

India’s ambition is to be as successful at football as cricket and ultimately host the World Cup by building from grassroots. 

Villa’s academy will be located in New Delhi on property provided by the Municipal Council, including a 3G pitch and offices, changing rooms, gym, classrooms and other amenities. 

The academy will train coaches to work in the state schools and will coach kids from the age of five upwards. 

Dr Tony Xia, Aston Villa chairman, made the announcement at a press conference today at the Taj Hotel in New Delhi following five days of meetings. 

Villa also plans to tie-up with a Club playing in the Indian Football Super League. 

The chairman revealed he hoped to find talented Indian footballers to attend the club’s Bodymoor Heath academy and eventually progress to play in Villa’s first team. 

Dr Tony said: “Aston Villa Football Club plans to expand globally and India is one of the countries where we not only want to have an Indian Super League club but also open football academies all over India.   

“Aston Villa has one of the best football academies in the world and has fans all over the world and some of our famous supporters include David Cameron, Prince William and Tom Hanks.

“Using our network we also want to help promote the U17 FIFA World Cup being held in India next year and make it a big sports celebration.”

[Phil from the upper holte]

Good idea in my opinion

[robbo1874]

Anyone know what a 3G pitch is?

[CJ]

Artificial grass

[Toronto Villa]

Anyone know what a 3G pitch is?

It's a form of artificial turf supported by rubber pellets that has become quite popular but has drawn some controversy due to claims it can increase the risk of cancer. A lot more comfortable to play on than the old knee crushing artificial surfaces.

[Hoppo]

I believe Tamworth have one, where were playing a friendly on Wednesday.

[cdbearsfan]

I like the idea of spreading the name as far and wide as possible, but wouldn't Indian players struggle to get a work permit to play here? Would we have to find British Indians to marry them to?

[Russ aka Big Nose]

Most 5-a-side centres (like 'Goals') have 3G or now more likely 4G artificial pitches. The 4G just being an upgrade on 3G.

Anyway, good move by Villa - useful in terms of expanding profile and potentially some players may come through. Though I think the investment is predicated on the former rather than the latter.

[Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle]

Good stuff.









When does the punathon start on this thread?

[UK Redsox]

Anyone know what a 3G pitch is?

You can write about it but videoing it is a problem

[olaftab]

Would we have to find British Indians to marry them to?

Haha...not just British Indians any willing girls  who believe in tha cause or in the case of Ladies team boys

[Comrade Blitz]

Football is Indian!

[Tuscans]

I haven't a scooby-doo about the rules of Sikhism but it would be great for football and the the club to have a professional Indian footballer, donning a turban playing week in week out for the club, of course only if good enough not just to be PC.

[Chinchilla Bathhouse]

When does the punathon start on this thread?

Look! Now!

[CJ]

Shouldn't that be a Pune-athon?