ISL kicks off next global phase of Premier skills

MUMBAI: Premier Skills, the joint initiative between the Premier League and British Council, was today launched here in partnership with the Indian Super League and All India Football Federation.

This marks the start of the new three-year Premier Skills programme in India and across the globe. Since the programme began in 2007, about 7,600 coaches and referees have been trained in 29 countries, who in turn have reached 1.2 million youths, a media release issued said here.

Taking place at the Father Agnel School sports centre in Vashi in Navi Mumbai, the Premier Skills 'Phase 1' course will see 50 Indian grassroots and elite youth coaches from all eight ISL clubs and some NGOs, it added.

As per the release, the coaches will receive week-long expert training from qualified Premier Skills coaches, giving them the skills and support to develop their own community football projects, it added.