Top Level Dutch Exposure for Indian Football Youths

All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) presented a once in a lifetime opportunity to their U-16 Kalyani Regional Academy boys as they set their foot on the breeding soil of the Oranje brigade. The 2013 U-16 SAFF cup champions will have an exposure to the palate of ‘Total Football’ maintaining a busy schedule of training and matches over this two-week stay. Keeping up with the vision of Indian football synchronizing with the European model, Dutch experience can prove to be a building block for the young cadets.

Holland Youth system- a learning tree for India

The country of tulips and windmills has produced a whopping number of talented and skilful players over the years. An integrated youth system, depicting a collage of professional and amateur framework, remained the core reason behind the story of success. The pile of 3000 clubs, integrated over 6 regions, always offered art-of-the-class facilities to their players taking care of both comfort and challenge. In Netherlands, a 5-year-old boy can avail organised club football experience. Until a boy crosses 14 years of age, it does not matter whether he plays for professional clubs or the amateur ones as both the variants play against each other. After those matches, the promising players from amateur clubs end up being scouted by the professional ones. India has to learn a lot from this thorough process of youth development to script a fairy tale in world football arena.

Visiting Feynoord,the club famous for youth development

After reaching Heemskerk on 5th August afternoon, the boys had training sessions at the famed youth academy of Feynoord, known as Varkenoord, in Rotterdam. This world cup featured 9 players, including Dutch captain Robin Van persie, who have spent their youths at Feynoord. The aforementioned figure is highest among all the clubs. Technically speaking, Feynoord left a profound impact in player development that resulted in this unique feat. As far as the whole nation is concerned, Ajax ranks 4th in that list which shows a collective effort in player nurturing.

A little taste of success and more to follow?

In the recent friendly against Eredivisle new comers FC Dordrecht under-17 academy boys, the Indian team found the tempo of passing and a late strike from Nijwm Muchahary sealed the victory for the Blue Tigers. They have a carousel of matches left to play in this tour with six of them being part of tournaments and the rest as friendlies. The boys have the chance to shine big to wipe out the recent disappointment at under-16 Asia Champions Trophy.

Milan and Bidya- getting a call from PSV Eindhoven

Bidyananda Singh taking a free kick

On another story, India’s elite academy cadets Milan Basumatary and Bidyananda Singh have been chosen for trials at  Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven. With rumors circling around about teams like Barca, Man U being interested, Eindhoven called them up to present the opportunity to showcase their skills amongst one of the best modern facilities on offer. This incident makes a mark to reveal that the brilliance of Indian youngsters will not go unnoticed in the European territory.

Is Indian football in right hands?

Interestingly, the former Dutch defender Wim Koevermans is now in charge of the Indian senior team and Robert Baan, who has served the technical director role for Netherlands national team and Feynoord, had been appointed the same for AIFF. It is of no doubt that Rob Baan’s finer greycells played behind this Dutch voyage. A positive intent like this shown by AIFF will make Indian fans build array of hope regarding success in long-term.

Recent results:    India U-16 Nat. Team       1   – 0          F C Dordecht U-17
(Nijwm Muchahary 92′)

Here lies the remaining schedule of the tour –

BROERSEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH TOURNAMENT (HEEMSKERK)

1. Vs Deportivo Saint Maickol (August 9, 2014) , Time – 3:30 pm IST
2. Vs S.B.V. Excelsior (August 9, 2014), Time – 5:30 pm IST
3. Vs FC Volendam U-17 (August 9, 2014), Time- 7:30 pm IST

RKTVC B TOP TOURNAMENT (TIEL)

1. Vs RKTVC (August 16, 2014) , Time – 2:00 pm IST
2. Vs FC Twente (August 16, 2014), Time – 4:00 pm IST
3. Vs AZ Alkmaar (August 16, 2014), Time – 6:00 pm IST

FRIENDLY MATCHES:

1. Vs FC Schalke 04 (August 13, 2014)
2. Vs PSV Eindhoven (August 17, 2014)
3. Vs KRC Genk (August 17, 2014).

Interesting Trivia: 17 players from the Netherlands 23 man WC squad played in the RKTVC-B tournament earlier.