AIFF ‘D’ license coaching course concludes in Gangtok

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: The Sikkim Football Association (SFA), under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), successfully conducted a six-day AIFF ‘D’ License coaching course at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, from May 30 to June 4.

Twenty-four aspiring football coaches from Sikkim and the neighbouring districts of West Bengal participated in the program, including four women and twenty men. The course, which focused on both theoretical and practical aspects of football coaching, was conducted by AIFF coach educator and AFC ‘A’ license holder Shiva Kumar Varadaraj.

The initiative, organized annually by the SFA, aims to develop skilled grassroots coaches to uplift the standard of football in the region.

Speaking to SIKKIM EXPRESS, SFA president Menla Ethenpa emphasized the significance of the ‘D’ License course in nurturing quality coaching at the grassroots level. “This certification is just the beginning. We encourage our coaches to pursue higher-level licenses so they can explore national and international platforms in the future,” he stated.

Ethenpa also stressed the importance of discipline in player development. “We want our coaches not only to train players in footballing skills but also to instill discipline from a young age. We are considering strict measures, including lifetime bans, for players who display poor discipline both on and off the field,” he warned.

Highlighting the growing prominence of women’s football in Sikkim, the SFA president expressed delight at the participation of four female trainees. “Women’s football in the state is progressing rapidly. We are optimistic that our women’s team might reach the World Cup stage even before the men. I urge our women coaches to train diligently and bring glory to Sikkim,” he said.

Coach educator Shiva Kumar Varadaraj praised the SFA for its unwavering support during the course. “This training marks the start of the coaching journey for many. I am hopeful that these new coaches will continue their education, elevate their coaching capabilities, and contribute significantly to Indian football,” he remarked. He also commended the participants for their dedication and active involvement throughout the sessions.

The trainee coaches expressed their gratitude to the SFA for organizing the course locally, allowing them to gain foundational knowledge in football coaching without having to travel outside the state. “We feel privileged to have learned the basics of the game through this certification. It’s a great opportunity for all of us,” one of the trainees said.

The valedictory function was attended by the SFA executive members and support staff.