Fifa agent arrives in North 24 Pargana FC to materialize the scouting program in England
The newly-built club North 24 Pargana FC is all set to begin its talent-nurturing project as an experienced Fifa Match and Players’ agent Alexie Ivanov arrived at the club on Monday morning for a detailed discussion about the club’s project. Alexie has been working as a Fifa Match and Players’ agent for last 15 years throughout the world. He has worked with several clubs especially like legendary Manchester City, Hoffenheim FC and Girona also. This has been Alexie’s sixth visit to India and in his last visit, he worked as the Fifa’s match-agent for the tournament for Kerala Blasters, Girona FC, and Melbourne City in 2018 and took initiative for organizing a tournament involving the three teams in India. Considering the plans North 24 Pargana FC has designed so far, the potential kids will get the opportunity to train at a top academy in England. The scouting program will take place under the guidance of Ivanov. “This project is very positive. We have plans so far that the potential boys of this academy will be taken to England and they will be provided top-class training through a scientific coaching program,” explained Ivanov. While continuing, he added, “At the same time, the boys will be provided an opportunity to have exposure to competitive matches to develop them. I am optimistic that this project will help Indian football ultimately. There are several top-class and professional academies in the UK as well as several club academies. The decision will be taken where exactly the boys will be placed.” Narayan Goswami, the president of North 24 Parganas district and the key man behind the project opined, “North 24 Pargana FC wants to start with 100 potential kids, screening from this district. They will be provided modern training system with the help of experienced foreign coaches and will also be offered food and accommodation during the training period. The project is expected to kick off at the Ashokenagar stadium and we are in the process of developing infrastructure there.”
North 24 Parganas DSA secretary appreciates the presence of Subrata Paul in North 24 Parganas football league
North 24 Parganas District Sports Association secretary Nabab Bhattacharya has appreciated the presence of Subrata Paul, former India international custodian and presently national team director, during the rejuvenated North 24 Parganas football league starting from 1 May. The 58 teams in three divisions will vie for the title in a four-month league held in most of the district club grounds. Bhattacharya divulged that there are stadiums in the district in Barrackpore, Naihati, Goyeshpur, and Dumdum, and DSA has plans to get to stadiums if needed. When asked about Subrata Paul’s presence in the league, Bhattacharya explained, “We are thankful to Paul that he has come forward to support the overall development of the game in North 24 Parganas. His presence and encouragement to the next generation of footballers will inspire us to drive for more development through youth programs in the future.” Subrata apart, the North 24 Parganas football league will also be enriched by the presence of a few more former India international footballers from the district like Lal Kamal Bhowmick, Mohammed Rafiq, and junior India international Prabir Das. Along with them, the present-day stars of Indian and Bengal football like Shouvik Chakrabarty, Sahil Harijon, and Tarak Hembrom will also be seen in action in the League this season. Shyamnagar Tarun Sangha, under the coaching of Lal Kamal Bhowmick, and Baranagar Sporting Club which is guided by Ranjan Bhattacharya will be facing each other in the opening match on 1st May. Subrata Paul, although has retired from professional football last year, might not wear gloves again in the league for his club. Still, he is expected to encourage his club footballers. Bhattacharya also revealed they are optimistic about getting sponsors for the league this season. “We have been negotiating with a few financial institutions including the company which came forward for the League last season. We are hopeful that we will get financial support finally,” added Bhattacharya.
