Kochi: Grassroot football fest conceived by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) was kicked off at Thodupuzha Soccer School in Thodupuzha in Idukki.
Former national coach Sajeevan Balan inaugurated the event for those in the age group of Under 8, Under 10, Under 12 and Under 16 on May 11, 12 and 13.
The event is backed by All India Football Federation, Kerala Football Association and Idukki Football Association.
Aim of the fest is to attract youth towards sports.
Inter school tournaments, girls’ football matches, cultural programmes, seminars, competitions are being organised as part of the fest.
The participants will get a memento and certificate.
Dr Ajit T Alex (International Olympics Committee nutritionist), took class on sports Injury prevention class, former Santosh Trophy player P A Saleem Kutty took class.
Chief coach Amal V R, former Ivory Coast junior national player Mathews Deo were among those present.
Grassroots Football aims at laying the foundation of the sport and increasing participation of children, youth, amateurs, veterans, those with physical disabilities, cerebral palsy, the visually impaired and even the socially disadvantaged.
It aims to bring all together by providing access to Football regardless of age, gender, physical condition, religion or ethnic origin.
It is part of the Strategic Roadmap ‘Vision 2047’, and its target is to engage 35 million children between the ages of 4-12 by 2026 and take the number up to 100 million by 2047.
